Driving with a suspended licence is a serious crime. It can certainly result in severe penalties. It seems that many drivers commit this type of offence because they don’t know that their licences are suspended. If you think your licence is suspended, don’t worry, there are ways to do a driving licence check. Well, in this article we will discuss how to check if your licence is suspended online and how to reinstate the suspended licence.
What is a Suspended License?
A suspended licence means that you can no longer drive. Some reasons why your licence may be suspended include:
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- You have committed too many traffic offences.
- You failed to pay child support.
- You failed to appear in court for a traffic ticket.
- DUI/DWI conviction.
If this occurs to you, you must immediately resolve the issue that led to your licence suspension immediately to regain your driving privileges. Remember that driving with a suspended licence is a serious crime. To resolve this issue, it depends on the reason why your licence was suspended. You can resolve it by paying a fine, taking a driver’s education course, or serving a prison sentence.
The Ways to Check If Your License is Suspended Online
If you’re worried about your licence being suspended, there are several ways to check if your licence is suspended or not. Here we will explain how to do it online. Remember that each state has its own rules regarding the penalties of a suspended licence. So, each state has different requirements on what information is needed to conduct a driver’s licence check. However, most states require your full name, driver’s licence number, and date of birth. Also, some states may require your Social Security number.
To check if your licence is suspended online, all you have to do is visit the DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles) website and select the state where you were issued the licence. After that, you will have to verify your identity first. If you have verified your identity correctly, then you will be able to see whether your licence is suspended or not. You will also know the reason why your licence is suspended. If your licence is indeed suspended, take the steps to reactivate it immediately.
What To Do If Your License is Suspended?
Once you find out that your license is suspended, immediately remove this suspension. Don’t panic, having a suspended license is temporary. And, you can complete it immediately, depending on the reason for your driver’s license suspension. The most important thing is that you understand the reasons why your license was suspended so that you can make the right solution for your case. Also, remember that you should never drive with a suspended license. It is a type of serious crime that can result in severe penalties.
When your license is suspended, the first thing you should do is create an online account by visiting your state’s DMV website. After creating an account, you must provide some personal information, such as your:
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- Date of birth
- Social security number
- Driver’s license number
- Telephone number
- Personal email address
Don’t worry, your information will be safe because they will always maintain the confidentiality of driver records. Once you create an account, you will have to pay a fee to view the status of your driver record. In this case, you need to know how to pay. For your information, many options are available, including payment plans, reinstatement fees, and reapplication. Keep in mind, each state has different rules regarding the amount required to view a driver’s record online.
How to Reinstate Your Suspended License?
To reinstate your suspended driver’s license, you must complete several things. You should know that each state has different rules regarding license reinstatement. Usually this will depend on the type of violation you committed.
First of all, you must complete all the requirements as outlined in your suspension notice. This may include paying fines, completing community service, or taking a defensive driving course. Once you meet all the requirements, you can then contact your local DMV to reinstate your license. Alternatively, you can also appeal to the court that issued your suspension. If successful, they will reinstate your driver’s license. And that means you get your right to drive again.
In some states, you also have to pay certain fees before getting your license back. For your information, there are several payment rates in various states. These fees are calculated based on the type of violation. If your violation is serious, you will usually be asked to pay a higher fee. Some states also require you to pay a fee depending on how often you commit the offense and how often your driver’s license is suspended.
Below is a list of some states and price ranges for license reinstatement fees:
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- Alabama: Ranges from $100 and up
- Florida: $45
- Maryland: $20 – $72
- Massachusetts: $100.00 – $1200.00
- Michigan: $25 – $125
- Montana: $100
- Oklahoma: $290
- Wyoming: $50
To reinstate your license, you must also obtain an insurance form in some states. Form SR-22 or insurance form FR-44 are financial responsibility documents you need to obtain before your license is reinstated. To get this insurance form, you can request it from your car insurance provider. Or, you can also buy an insurance form from another car insurance agent because not all car insurance providers issue this insurance form.
If your license is suspended due to a DUI offense, then you must enter a DUI program. In this program you will learn about the dangers of using alcohol and drugs while driving. You must follow the program so that you understand the rules regarding driving. Before participating in this DUI program, you must pay the program fee. Usually this DUI program lasts for several hours.
Additionally, in some states, for license reinstatement, you will be required to take a defensive driving course. In the program, you will learn about good and correct driving skills, safety measures when driving, etc.
Consequences of Driving With a Suspended Driver’s License
There are several consequences you can face when you drive with a suspended license. As we know, driving with a suspended license is very dangerous. You will be considered to have committed a criminal offense. If you drive with a suspended license, you will be fined up to $2,500 or more. If you are charged multiple times with a suspended license, the sentence that will be given to you will be more severe than for someone who commits the offense for the first time. Even you can also be threatened with prison sentences.
Prohibited Activities with a Suspended License
When your license is suspended, there are some things you cannot do. The first of course is that you no longer have the right to drive. Then, while your license is suspended, you cannot renew your license or get a new license. Apart from that, you will also have difficulty getting car insurance protection. And, if you can get it, it will cost you a higher rate. When your driver’s license is suspended, you are prohibited from driving for any reason. You cannot drive anywhere, including going home and going to school, work, or other places. Remember again that if you are caught driving with a suspended license, you will be fined or imprisoned, and your car may even be confiscated.
A bookworm and researcher especially related to law and citizenship education. I spend time every day in front of the internet and the campus library.
