Driving one’s car along clear roads provides a sense of freedom and joy. However, it can quickly become a chore when the streets are overcrowded and time is short.
A lot can go wrong in haste and frustration. Before long, speeding or lane violation tickets may accrue to the point that the driver’s license is suspended. If yours has too, you know this pain too well. Want to have it reinstated quickly?
That depends on your offense and suspension period. Some cases require payment of fines, whereas others call for a full-blown Level 3 online traffic safety course to prove competence.
Don’t worry; this article will clear all the details. We will discuss how to reinstate a driver’s license after it has been suspended.
Common Reasons for Suspension
In simple terms, having one’s driver’s license suspended is not so easy. If a driver has received a suspension, it’s usually because they have committed a serious offense or traffic violation.
In the United States, it is usually the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or an equivalent licensing authority that suspends a driver’s license. Driver’s license suspension is a growing problem across many US states.
For instance, a large chunk of Ohio’s workforce is in danger due to suspensions. Around 1.7 million drivers within the state have had their licenses suspended in the past year. What’s even more shocking is that 60% of these suspensions were not directly related to bad driving.
They were a result of accumulated debts due to fees and fines related to driving. Now, different states have different suspension rules, along with the period.
General Reasons for Suspension
First, let’s talk in general. A driver’s license may be suspended for the following reasons –
- Driving under the influence of alcohol
- Reckless and distracted driving
- Jumping red lights
- Tailgating attempts
- Using electronic devices like smartphones while driving
- Crossing the speed limits or any other rash behaviors that endanger other drivers
- Vandalism or drug offences
- Obtaining a license by fraud or misrepresentation
- Fleeing the scene of a property damage accident
State-Specific Suspension Rules
Now, let’s compare a few US states to understand how they go about suspending or revoking driver’s licenses. To maintain consistency, we will discuss the context of an accident.
- Arkansas – If a driver causes the death or injury of a single person, or even property damage worth $1000 or more, they must file a Motor Vehicle Accident Report (SR-1) along with proof of insurance. A failure on the driver’s part can have their license suspended for 30 days or until they do the needful.
- Alabama – A driver who caused death, injury, or over $250 worth of property damage must file the form SR-13 with the Director of Public Safety. If not, their license can be suspended for up to two years or until they file the required security.
- Arizona – If a driver involved in an accident has no insurance coverage, they must file a civil suit with the Clerk of the Superior Court for a judgment. Failing to do so can lead to their license being suspended for 3 to 12 months.
- Colorado – The owner of the vehicle involved in an accident must submit to the Executive Director of the Department of Revenue enough security that satisfies the damages. They must also provide proof of future financial responsibility. Failing to do so even after 20 days post-accident can lead to a suspension until both are duly filed.
Suspension Rules in the UK
That was the US; let’s gain a bit more perspective by understanding suspension rules in the UK. In this country, a driver’s license can be suspended if they commit a criminal offense or gather 12 or more penalty points within three years.
For 12 or more penalty points within three years, a driver can be banned from driving for six months. If they receive a second disqualification within three years, the ban will extend to 12 months.
A third disqualification within the same time will make the ban period two years. All drivers whose licenses have been suspended for 56 days or more must get a new one before they hit the roads again.
Steps to Reinstate Your Driver’s License
The good news is that a driving ban is not a thing set in stone. A driver can regain their right to get behind the wheel again. However, the process may be a bit long-drawn.
They will have to fulfill certain requirements, the specifics of which can differ among countries and states. Below, we have listed the general steps that this process will follow. Here’s how you can reinstate your suspended driver’s license.
Check the Suspension Details
First, you must understand exactly why your license has been suspended. This means checking what your offenses are and the period for which you have been suspended.
Once a suspension period has been assigned, there’s little that can be done. You need to serve your suspension period as mandated by the court. During this time, pay any outstanding traffic violation fees or fines related to driving.
Contact the DMV
Now, even the exact process of reinstatement is different among US states. You need to contact your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office to understand the procedure for your area.
In the UK, banned drivers need to apply for a new license by obtaining form D1 from a post office. The same, along with the license fee and medical documents, needs to be submitted to the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA).
Complete a Defensive Driving Course
Depending on the state and the offenses committed, a suspended driver will need to pursue a defensive driving course. According to ISAE., this course would cover topics like speeding, impulse control, taking responsibility, and more to change a motorist’s driving behaviors.
Almost all US states allow drivers to take this course online. It is designed for drivers who have exhibited reckless driving behaviors. Proof of completion is required to reassure the agency that you are aware of the potential road hazards and can handle them in the future.
Now, the UK does not automatically require its suspended drivers to complete this course. The same may be mandated by companies whose employees need to drive as a part of their work.
Participate in an Evaluation or Rehabilitation Program
Be it the US or the UK, a suspended driver must retake their driving test to prove competency. In the UK, it is especially required for drivers who have been banned for 56 days or more.
The US has the suspended driver undergo evaluation or rehabilitation programs that are meant for educational and training purposes. A driver must pass this test to prove that they can safely drive again. Several assessments will be done, including driving record review, medical evaluation, skills test, and cognitive examination.
Submit the Required Documents
Once all the courses are completed and tests are conducted, the driver must be prepared to submit the following documents –
- Certificate of course completion
- Proof of completing the driving evaluation or test
- Evidence of payment of fines and fees
- Court documentation related to driver’s license suspension
In some cases, the court may even require the installation of an ignition interlock device (IID) on the vehicle before the license is reinstated. This depends on the severity of the offense.
For disqualified drivers from the UK, the typical documents required are a passport or other identity proof, a current driving license, proof of address for the last three years, and the completed D1 form.
We hope you received the clarity you needed to understand where you stand. Do not worry too much; instead, focus on getting behind the wheel again.
In the US, the most common ticket is given for speeding. This is closely followed by texting while driving and disobeying traffic signals. Besides your signature violation, take care that you follow all rules for safe driving. This is the only way to ensure you don’t get disqualified in the future.