To find out if your license has been suspended in California, check your status with the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), either online, by mail, or in person. Requesting your driver’s record from the DMV will confirm any suspension.
If your license is suspended, avoid driving until the issue is resolved, as the DMV will charge a reissue fee to restore your driving privileges.
If you’re in Southern California and have already been charged with driving with a suspended license, a Los Angeles driving on a suspended license lawyer can help.
How to Request a Copy of Your Driving Record
As we mentioned, you can request a copy of your driving record from the DMV. There are three ways to do that:
- Online at dmv.ca.gov ($2 fee)
- By mail, by completing a Request for Your Own Driver License Identification Card or Vehicle/Vessel Registration Information Record (INF 1125) form ($5 fee)
- In person at your local DMV office ($5 fee)
Once you view your driver’s record, you will know if your license has been suspended or not.
For a free legal consultation, call (310) 896-2723
Failure to Pay (FTP) Law No Longer in Force
The good news is that the state of California no longer suspends your driver’s license for failure to pay fines such as those associated with traffic tickets and court fees. As a result, since June 2017, the DMV has strived to reinstate driving privileges for all California drivers with suspended driver’s licenses resulting from a failure to pay fines.
The DMV has also removed any failure to pay notices from all of its driver’s records. While your license won’t be suspended for failure to pay fines, you are still legally responsible for paying court fees and fines.
And if your license was suspended for some other reason, such as a DUI, the FTP change won’t affect that suspension. Visit the DMV website for more information, or reach out to our law firm for legal help.
Reasons Why Your California Driver’s License Might Be Suspended
One reason you might be unsure of your driver’s license status is that you may be unaware of the violation that led to the suspension.
Suspension can occur due to:
- Failure to maintain auto insurance (potential suspension of up to four years)
- Failure to report a car accident
- Conviction for driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol (potential suspension of up to four years)
- Underage drinking, which will also result in a delay in receiving your first license
- Refusal to submit to blood alcohol concentration testing
- An accumulation of points on your driving record (potential suspension of up to a year and possible revocation)
- A conviction for vandalism (one-year suspension)
- Failure to pay court-ordered child support
Don’t risk driving with a suspended license, as doing so could lead to serious penalties. If you believe one or more of these reasons could affect the status of your license, a local attorney can help you research its status and come up with a plan for restoring your driving privileges.
Driving During a Suspension Can Be Risky and Expensive
When your driver’s license is suspended for any reason, the state typically notifies you of the suspension by mail, if not in person. Knowledge of your suspension is presumed once a mailed notification is sent.
According to California Vehicle Code 14601.1, potential penalties for knowingly driving with a suspended license can include the following:
- For a first conviction, you could face incarceration for up to six months, fines of up to $1,000, or both.
- For second and subsequent convictions within a specified period, you could face up to a year of incarceration and fines of up to $2,000.
In addition, certain circumstances of cause and conviction could require you to install a certified ignition interlock device on your vehicle for up to three years.
The cost and inconvenience of not being able to drive can also make you ineligible to start or continue many types of employment. These can include the multitude of driver and delivery services available to consumers today or any other transportation-related job that requires a valid driver’s license.
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Difference Between a Suspended License and a Revoked One
Whether your license has been suspended or revoked, the DMV has taken away your driving privileges. In the case of a suspended license, you can get your license back after the suspension without much trouble.
However, if your license has been revoked, the DMV has completely canceled it. In that case, it will take a lot longer and a lot more work to get your license back. A criminal defense lawyer in Los Angeles can help you navigate this complicated process.
Here’s some more detailed information about each scenario:
Suspensions
When your license is suspended, it is generally suspended for a specific time, such as six months to a year. Once the suspension period is over, you can apply to the DMV to get it reinstated. The court may have imposed other conditions you must meet as well, such as enrolling in traffic school.
However, once your suspension period has passed, you should be able to get your license back. It’s simple—all you have to do is present documentation at the DMV and pay a reinstatement fee.
Revocations
When you have a revoked license, it is often described as “permanent.” However, reinstatement is possible, but be prepared to put in some time and effort. You’ll have to abide by any court-mandated requirements, including probation and sentencing. This can take years.
When you’ve reached eligibility for reinstatement, you will have to begin the process like you were a first-time driver. That means taking both a written and a behind-the-wheel test and paying the associated fees.
At Simmrin Law Group, we understand the hurdles you may be facing. Don’t try to navigate the legal system and the California DMV on your own. We can help you develop your defense and, in many cases, get your charges or penalties reduced.
Possible Defenses for Driving with a Suspended License
Sometimes, people risk driving with a suspended or revoked license because it’s a choice between breaking the law or getting fired from their job for not showing up. Still, if you’re pulled over for any sort of traffic violation, you will face criminal charges for driving with a suspended or revoked license.
Our legal team can help you mitigate the penalties for driving with a suspended license.
Possible defenses can include:
- Proving you were unaware of the status of your driver’s license
- Proving you did not receive appropriate notice of your suspension
Restoring your license to active and valid status is critical, particularly if your job depends on it. Even if your defense is successful, it can be a complicated process to have your driving privileges restored since this action may not be automatic.
An Attorney Can Help
Building a strong defense can be difficult on your own. Your lawyer will work to:
- Defend your actions.
- Negotiate a plea bargain that leads to reduced charges and penalties.
- Avoid costly points on your driving record.
- Help you keep or regain your driving privileges.
If you’ve already been charged with driving with a suspended or revoked license, one of our lawyers would be happy to help.
Contact us for a Free Consultation
Whatever the circumstances of your traffic violations, you can benefit from a lawyer working with you to help you get the best possible outcome. Don’t give up on the ability to drive! We are here to help you regain your license and reclaim your life after a suspension.
Call a Simmrin Law Group team member or use our contact form for a free case evaluation today. We’re available 24/7 to help.
Call or text (310) 896-2723 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form