Common Types of Driving on a Suspended License

February 7, 2022
Driving on a Suspended License

Driving with a suspended license in Virginia can cause many more drivers’ problems. If caught, drivers can face penalties, fees, and impounding on their vehicle if they are driving without a valid license. Before taking the chance, learn more about what can happen when driving suspended or call a traffic lawyer Fairfax VA to discuss your situation. A traffic attorney can help you learn more about why your license is suspended and help resolve the suspension to help get you back on the road legally driving. 

Common types of Driving on Suspended License

Several Virginia traffic laws explain what driving on a license suspension means and its penalties. According to Virginia state statute 46.1-301, a suspended license is a temporary withdrawal of driving privileges regarding operating a motor vehicle. The driver with a suspended license can only return to driving after the termination of the suspension period, the driver was issued a restricted license, or the license has been reinstated. 

Several reasons may lead to the suspension of your license, including DUI convictions, not having insurance, or accumulating too many departments of motor vehicle points on the license. Common reasons for having a license suspended in Virginia include: 

  • DUI or DWI charges: Convictions for driving under the influence or driving while intoxicated usually mean the DMV will immediately suspend driving privileges. The first offense is a one-year suspension, the second offense is a three-year suspension, and a third offense means having the license revoked indefinitely. 
  • Vehicular felonies: Those with felonies associated with a motor vehicle can have their license suspended, especially in hit-and-run cases and vehicular manslaughter. 
  • Demerit points at the DMV: New licenses have zero points, and the DMV can add points each time a driver is found guilty of a moving violation of traffic law. Those who have rapidly accumulated points may have their license suspended or revoked.
  • No insurance: Though Virginia does not require drivers to have car insurance, drivers do either have to have insurance or opt to pay a DMV fee for vehicles not insured. Failure to do either option can result in a license being suspended.  
  • Driving on a revoked license or an invalid license: Driving on a suspended or revoked license can lead to an additional suspension or revocation.

Depending on the reason for license suspension, the driver cannot return to driving until after the suspension period. Additionally, the DMV requires payment of a reinstatement fee and may require completion of an educational course in order to reinstate a license in certain circumstances. A Virginia traffic attorney can help determine if your license suspension is valid and help fight the courts for reinstatement. 

How a traffic attorney Virginia can help

Traffic attorneys Virginia can help those with a license suspension get back on track and on a path to getting their license reinstated. First, the attorney will research why the license was suspended and if the suspension is valid. An attorney can also examine whether proper notice was provided and if there are any mitigating circumstances that could lead to a reduction or dismissal of the charge.

If you have been accused of driving on a suspended or revoked license, a Fairfax traffic lawyer can help you fight the charges. Call our dedicated attorney at Rudolphi Law today to schedule a consultation and learn more about your options when facing a suspension on your license.