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Suspended Driver's License

To check if your driver's license is valid, you can check online through your state's DMV website or motor vehicle division for a small fee. You can also check in person at the DMV office. Driver's licenses can be suspended for reasons like excessive traffic violations, driving under the influence, not having insurance, or failing to pay fines. It's important to check your license status regularly to ensure you don't drive suspended.

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Amar Amaar
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466 views

Suspended Driver's License

To check if your driver's license is valid, you can check online through your state's DMV website or motor vehicle division for a small fee. You can also check in person at the DMV office. Driver's licenses can be suspended for reasons like excessive traffic violations, driving under the influence, not having insurance, or failing to pay fines. It's important to check your license status regularly to ensure you don't drive suspended.

Uploaded by

Amar Amaar
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Why Check?

To make sure your license is valid

Many drivers are surprised to learn that their license is no longer valid. They assume that it can
only be suspended for unpaid tickets, but it can actually be suspended for many other reasons
depending on your state.

To make sure information is correct

If you believe your license status is wrong, this is the perfect opportunity to do something about
it. Perhaps you forgot to submit proof that you finished traffic school, or maybe you overlooked
getting that SR22 filed by your insurance company. Whatever the case may be, checking your
driver's license status can be a great reminder to take care of important paperwork. Correcting
misinformation and keeping a clean driving record could set you up for a great auto insurance
rate.

How Do I Check If My License is Valid?


Have your full name, date of birth, and driver's license number handy.

Check License Status Online


Start with your state's online resources. You can order a copy of your driver's license status
and driving records online from a number of places including your state's:

● Department of Motor Vehicles


● Secretary of State
● Department of Revenue
● Department of Public Safety
● Motor Vehicle Division

Or, select your state from a resource like DMV.org. Most states charge a small fee (usually less
than $10) to access your driving record. This fee is often lower than paying a third-party website
offering the same service. Many third-party sites charge around $30.

Check If License is Suspended in Person


You can order it in-person, too. Find the right office to visit in your state and make a request
in-person. In Tennessee, you can visit the Tennessee Driver Service Center in-person, or send
someone else to order it for you with a notarized statement of authorization.

Check Driver's License by Mail


You can also order it by mail. If you can't do it online or in-person, you'll need to complete a
Record Request and send a written request to a certain address. This option can take a few
weeks.
Reasons Driver's Licenses May Be Suspended
There are a variety of reasons why your driver’s license might be suspended. Some of these are
related to specific driving violations, while others may be due to violation of other State laws.
The following are some of the most common reasons for a driver's license to be suspended or
revoked.

Excessive Moving Violations


Most of the states operate on a point system, in which drivers accumulate points on their license
for every moving violation they commit. If you accumulate enough points in a short period on
your current driver record, your license will be suspended.

Driving Under the Influence


Your driver’s license will be suspended if you are found guilty of driving under the influence of
alcohol or drugs. The length of the suspension depends on the severity of the violation and
whether it is a first or repeat offense. If you fail the test (have a blood alcohol content of 0.08%)
or refuse to take it, your license will be taken away immediately. If you are found guilty of DUI,
your license can be revoked for 6 months to 1 year, depending on your previous record.

Driving with a Suspended License or No License


If you are caught driving while your license is suspended, you will be charged with a
misdemeanor. If convicted, you can receive a $1,500 fine. Driving with a suspended license will
lead to an increase in the length of the suspension, and you may also be imprisoned for up to 5
years. Your current suspension or revocation can even be doubled if you are convicted of
committing them while your license is suspended. Your driver’s license may also be suspended
if you do not have your license with you while you are driving.

Driving without Insurance


All motor vehicles driven in Iowa must be properly insured. Failure to provide proof of valid auto
insurance can result in your license being suspended.

Other Driving-Related Violations


Your driver’s license may also be suspended if you engage in reckless driving, are found to be
at fault in a fatal accident, or if you abandon your vehicle on a public highway or if you have an
out of state conviction against you.

Physical or Psychological Disqualification


The DOT can order a re-examination of any person who may not be fit to drive. An individual’s
driving privileges may be suspended if the re-examination finds they are physically or
psychologically unable to drive safely.

Non-Driving Reasons for License Suspension


A variety of non-driving violations or issues can result in your license being suspended. These
include:

● Not responding to a Department of Transportation notice or not appearing in court


● Failing to pay traffic tickets, fines or surcharges
● Not paying child support
● False information on an application
● Lending your license to another person
● Using another person’s license
● Altering your license in any way
● Allowing an unlawful use of your license
● Failure to pay outstanding debts to the DOT
● Missing a notice about points accumulation
● Truancy
● Delinquent conduct by a minor

Expulsion from School


If you are expelled from school your license can be suspended.

Habitual Recklessness or Negligence


If you are involved in 3 or more accidents in 1 year or have accumulated 3 or more moving
violations in 1 year, your license can be suspended.

Habitual Offender
If you have committed 3 or more moving traffic violations in 1 year or have played a role in 3 or
more accidents in 1 year, you may have your license suspended.

What Happens If Someone Drives Without a License?


Drivers who get on the road without an active license could face criminal charges. The
consequences vary depending on the state. In California, for example, driving with a suspended
license is considered a misdemeanor, which can lead to six months of jail time and a fine up to
$1,000 as well as court fees.

It’s never a good idea to drive without a license. If you’ve lost your license for any reason, look
into getting it reinstated immediately, or find alternative transportation options rather than take
the risk.

Where Driver License Information is Kept


The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration operates the National Driver Register
(NDR), a computerized database of drivers whose licenses have been suspended or revoked,
or who have been convicted of a serious traffic violation such as a DUI.

Information in the NDR is provided by state motor vehicle agencies who in turn use the
database to check on individuals who apply for a license in their jurisdictions. The information in
the database is protected by federal privacy laws that restrict access to your state's DMV and a
number of federal agencies.

You can request this information for yourself by sending a notarized letter, known as a "privacy
act request" to the NDR. The service is free of charge.

Getting a License Reinstated


To get your license reinstated, look into it at the local DMV. Likely, it’s going to involve serving
out any mandated suspension time and/or prison sentence, paying a reinstatement fee as well
as any court fees that apply, providing proof of insurance, and showing up at the DMV with all
the valid documentation.

Getting a license reinstated may take some time, but it’s always better than driving with a
suspended license, which can cause more issues. Going through the proper driver training,
paying attention while on the road, and never driving under the influence are always best to
ensure you keep your license active and to keep you and others safe on the road.

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