The Commonwealth of Virginia takes the privilege of operating a motor vehicle seriously, and many actions can cause a driver’s license suspension or even total revocation.
A suspended license means that driving privileges are temporarily revoked, and the license must be reinstated in order to legally operate a vehicle again.
Your license can be reinstated after requirements set by the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) have been met, including appropriate documentation and waiting for the amount of time assigned in your case.
Those who have had a license suspension in the past will need to wait longer on a second or subsequent offense, and multiple suspensions can lead to a full revocation.
Here is what drivers need to know about driving with a suspended license in Virginia and how to restore a license.
Understanding License Suspension in Virginia
There are many reasons why a driver’s license may be suspended in Virginia. Alcohol or drug-related offenses can result in a license suspension or revocation. This includes driving under the influence (DUI), damaging property or injuring someone while under the influence, or refusing to take a blood/breath test when being arrested for DUI.
A driver’s license can also be suspended if the license holder receives too many demerit points. Drivers get demerit points each time they commit traffic violations. The Virginia DMV holds records of convicted traffic violations for 12- and 24-month periods and assigns demerit points accordingly.
Other reasons for license suspension include providing alcohol to a minor, failing to pay child support, reckless or endangering driving, fleeing from police, suspected visual issues while driving, failing to maintain insurance on a vehicle, or failing to pay the required uninsured motor vehicle fees. Not all license suspensions arise from vehicular infractions.
Assessing Eligibility for License Reinstatement
Requirements for license reinstatement may vary based on the nature of the offense. Some requirements can be completed without appearing in person at a DMV, such as providing the DMV with the motor vehicle’s insurance information, paying the license reinstatement fees, providing a medical and/or vision report from a physician (if necessary), and completing the Virginia Alcohol Safety Action Program if doing so is part of the judgment.
Steps that must be completed at the DMV include providing identification, submitting court orders, and taking knowledge or road skill tests. License reinstatement fees typically range from $145 to $220, depending on the nature of the offense.
Additionally, there is a $5 multiple-order fee for individuals with two or more active cases of a suspended or revoked license. These fees can be paid in person or online on the Virginia DMV website.
In order to receive your specific reinstatement requirements, a compliance summary and personal driver transcript may be requested from the Virginia DMV. These combined documents will clarify the specific requirements needed.
Appealing License Suspension Decisions
Undergoing a license suspension can have wide-reaching consequences in one’s life and may threaten their financial and physical well-being. In some cases, restricted driving privileges may be granted to those with a suspended or revoked license.
To appeal a suspension or revocation, the driver must petition the court on or after the conviction date. If the court appeal is accepted, restricted driving privileges may be granted on the day of conviction or after an allotted amount of time, depending on the nature of the offenses.
An attorney can help you determine your eligibility for restricted driving privileges and assist in pursuing this benefit to attend school, go to work, or seek medical services.
Steps to Reclaim Driving Privileges
While each case of driver’s license suspension in Virginia will vary based on the offense(s) and details, the steps to reclaim driving privileges remain the same for all drivers.
First, you must obtain a copy of your driving record from the Virginia DMV. Second, drivers must complete any required education or treatment programs which are explained in the information acquired from the DMV and court order.
This includes any court-ordered requirements or obligations; those with alcohol related offenses may be required to complete the Alcohol Safety Action Program and pay the requisite fees. All fees and fines must be paid in full.
Find Legal Assistance
If you have a suspended driver’s license, take the necessary steps to explore your options. For a charge that can result in license suspension, seek legal guidance to reclaim your driving freedom as soon as possible.
The attorneys at The Law Offices of Kermit A. Monge have successfully assisted drivers in fighting license suspension and achieving restricted privileges where possible. Contact Kermit A. Monge to schedule a consultation and explore your next steps.