Typically, receiving a ticket for speeding or failing to stop at a stop sign won’t result in Driver License Suspension. However, accumulating numerous moving violations or being convicted of a more severe driving-related offense can lead to Driver License Suspension. Here, we’ll explore common causes of Driver License Suspension, the process your state may employ to revoke your license, and strategies for contesting a license suspension.

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What is the Number of Tickets Required for Driver License Suspension?

Driver License Suspension is typically not among the potential consequences for minor traffic violations such as speeding, running stop signs, running red lights, or texting while driving. However, if you amass a significant number of tickets within a brief timeframe, you may face the possibility of temporary loss of driving privileges.

Systems for Pointing Driver’s Licenses

In most states, driver license suspensions are managed through a point-based system, whereby specific points are assigned for each type of moving violation. (Some states also allocate points for accidents.) Accumulating an excessive number of points within a specified period (typically two or three years in many states) will result in Driver License Suspension.

Point Suspensions

The point system varies from state to state. However, as a general rule, drivers typically face the risk of license suspension after receiving convictions for three or four moving violations within the applicable time frame. Point-based suspensions typically span from approximately 30 days to six months.

Keeping Your Points Down

Naturally, the most effective method to minimize your points and prevent a point suspension is to avoid receiving tickets altogether. However, if you are issued a ticket, there is an alternative approach to prevent points from being added to your record. In many states, drivers are permitted to attend traffic school (also known as “defensive driving”) for a first offense within a specific timeframe (typically, one to two years). By completing traffic school for a violation, drivers can avoid having points recorded on their driving record.

Suspensions for Repeat Violators

In states without point systems, drivers can still be subject to Driver License Suspension suspension for receiving numerous tickets. Typically, license suspension doesn’t occur after a single violation in these states. However, drivers who accumulate multiple tickets within a specified timeframe (usually one to three years) may face the potential for license suspension.

In certain states, traffic court judges have the authority to suspend a driver’s license for any traffic violation. Although most judges in these states may not frequently exercise this discretion, cases involving aggravating factors such as accidents or multiple recent violations significantly raise the likelihood of a judge ordering a suspension.

How Long Suspensions for Traffic Tickets Last

Typically, license suspensions resulting from accumulating too many tickets or violation points vary from approximately 10 days to a year. Initially, the first suspension for traffic tickets tends to fall towards the lower end of this range, typically spanning from 10 to 90 days. However, for drivers who continue to receive tickets following a suspension, the subsequent suspension periods become longer, extending to durations such as six months or a year.

Suspensions for Severe Driving-Related Offenses

While minor traffic infractions typically do not result in license suspension unless the driver accumulates multiple tickets, certain more serious violations may lead to the loss of driving privileges even upon a first offense.

DUI License Suspensions and Revocations

Nearly all drivers convicted of driving under the influence (DUI) will face some form of license suspension or revocation. For a first DUI conviction, drivers typically confront a suspension lasting approximately six months to a year. Subsequent DUI convictions may result in license suspensions ranging from one to five years. In certain states, drivers with multiple DUI convictions may even have their licenses permanently revoked.

Vehicular Assault and Vehicular Homicide

Vehicular assault and vehicular homicide are considered grave traffic violations as they entail causing serious injury or death to someone. In many states, individuals convicted of these offenses can anticipate a period of license suspension. Vehicular homicide convictions frequently result in permanent revocation of the driver’s license.

Reckless driving and driving at excessive speeds

States typically enforce license suspension for traffic violations that pose significant dangers. Therefore, it’s quite common for license suspension to be among the potential penalties for reckless driving or excessive speeding violations, as both pose substantial risks to others. The periods of license suspension for these offenses typically span a year or less.

Younger Drivers

In the majority of states, individuals under the age of 18 are subjected to more stringent regulations compared to older drivers. Within such frameworks, underage drivers could potentially encounter license suspension for a first minor traffic offense.

Acquiring a “Restricted” or “Hardship” License

Depending on the nature of your suspension, you may have the option to secure a “hardship” license, granting limited driving privileges to specific destinations during your suspension period. Generally, a hardship license entails restrictions on the locations and times at which the individual is permitted to drive. For individuals convicted of DUI/DWI offenses, the installation of an ignition interlock device (IID) may be mandatory for eligibility for a hardship license.