During most traffic violations, most people don’t think about losing their license. However, if a driver racks up too many violations–or gets charged with a DUI–they may lose their license for months or even years. Below are listed some common reasons for driver’s license suspension, how you can lose your license, and what you and the O’Neill Law Firm, LLC can do to have it reinstated.
Suspension After Moving Violations
If you get a couple of violations for things like speeding or running a red light, you won’t lose your driver’s license. In most cases, you won’t lose your license unless you’ve had three or more moving violations within the last five years (check your state laws for specifics). Some exceptions exist for younger drivers; in certain areas, an under-18 driver can lose their license after just one moving violation.
The Point System
Most states use a point system to assign a level of severity to moving violations. If you accrue too many points within a period, you may lose your license. In some states, accidents can result in the assignment of points, even if you are later found not at fault. The point system takes one of the following two forms:
A moving violation counts as one point, with speeding violations counted as two points. Your license is suspended when you get four points within a year, six within two years, or eight within three years.
Minor moving violations are counted as two points. More substantial violations (excessive speed, running a red light) are assigned values of three to five points, and you’ll lose your license if you get twelve points within three years.
Suspension After a DUI
If you are facing DUI charges, the procedure for license suspension is different from that listed above. In most cases, administrative suspension results–the police take your license before you are convicted. After an arrest, your license is taken and you’re issued a temporary license, which expires soon unless your DUI attorney helps you prevail in court. Suspension length depends on whether you refused sobriety tests, your BAC at the time of the stop, and whether you have prior DUI convictions.
DUI is a serious offense, and convictions can follow you for life. If you’re considering hiring a DWI Lawyer to represent you in criminal proceedings, you may want to ask them to assist you with your administrative hearing as well.
