If your license was suspended or you receive a revocation after a DUI charge, you may be wondering if and how you can get your license back.
A suspended driver’s license means your license is temporarily not eligible or valid. You may have received one due to eight or more points on your driving record, a DUI charge, found at fault in a fatal accident, refusing the alcohol breath test, and more. A suspension will go into place if you did not opt into the ignition interlock system or you refused the breath field test. This is why it is extremely important to respond to these charges with a MVA hearing within 10 days of the traffic stop.
You cannot drive with a suspended license. You will need to turn your license into the MVA by the date requested. A suspension will end once the set time has come to an end and you have submitted all necessary fees for the suspension termination process. You can complete this process in person or over the phone with the MVA. There will be an application to complete and a fee to submit, once you have received the approval you can retrieve your license from the MVA.
A suspension differs from a full revocation, in which case your license is fully taken on a permanent basis. You will have to reapply to receive your license and you may receive a refusal depending on the reason for the revoked license, i.e. a fatality due to driving under the influence. If the revocation was due to 12 or more points or a DUI, you may receive a specific period of time after which you can re-apply for your license.
If you have only received one revocation, your waiting period is 6 months before you can re-apply for your license. Two revocations is a year, three revocations is 18 months, and four or more results in a two year minimum waiting period. The waiting period begins the day you turn in your license or the date of the revocation, whichever date is later. You will follow a similar process to reinstating a suspended license, but may be asked to retake all driver’s tests before receiving your license.