Hello and happy 1st of the month to you all! It’s October, and if you don’t sense something cinnamon-y, nutmeg-y, autumn-y….well, get busy getting into the spirit of the season. That means trips to pumpkin farms, hayrides, PSL’s (if you know, you know), Halloween, and all things fall-inspired.
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But what if you can’t get to these places? What if, for some reason, you’re not able to drive due to a suspended or revoked license? No one anticipates this setback, especially when there are gingerbread cookies to be baked and grocery runs to thus be made.
If you find yourself with a suspended or revoked driver’s license in the state of New York, or you are keen to know how to avoid this sticky situation, this article is for you.
First off, let’s explore what it means to have a these license issues in the Empire State. The New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (NYSDMV) defines a suspension when: “Your license, permit, or privilege to drive is taken away for a period of time before it is returned.” A revocation is when “Your license, permit or privilege to drive is voided; it no longer exists.”
In the event of a suspended driver’s license, there is a set amount of time in which you will not be allowed to drive legally, whereas with a revocation, you cannot reinstate your license. With a revocation, you will have to reapply for a whole new driver’s license with the DMV.
Once a suspension time period has passed, you will be able to have your license reinstated, pending a suspension termination fee. For revocations, you may be obligated to pay a license re-application fee. Keep in mind, however, that your application could possibly be denied, depending on the state of your driving record and/or how well you have met the requirements set forth by the DMV.
What could possibly cause a person to incur a suspension or revocation? Let’s see.
Suspensions can be caused by the following violations:
- Driving without Insurance
- Incurring too many traffic tickets in a certain amount of time
- Driving while your ability is impaired by the use of drugs (DWAI-Drug)
- Driving while your ability is impaired by the use of alcohol (DWAI-alcohol)
- Driving under the influence outside the state of New York
- Purchasing alcoholic beverages using a fraudulent or altered license or ID
- Failing to respond to traffic ticket citations
There are a few instances when a suspension is indefinite, and will remain in effect until you rectify the situation that caused the suspension. These include:
- Submitting a bad check for DMV fees
- Failing to pay a Driver Responsibility Assessment
- Failing to satisfy a court judgment resulting from a traffic crash
- Failing to file an accident report
- Failing to pay mandatory child support
- Failing to pay New York taxes
If the thought of suspension isn’t enough to inspire you to avoid all the above violations,
New York State can revoke your license for the following reasons:
- Failing a DMV road test
- Being involved in a motor vehicle accident that led to the loss of life
- Driving while intoxicated – .08% Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) or higher
- Aggravated driving while intoxicated – .18% BAC or higher
- Driving while intoxicated, .08% or higher within 10 years of any previous violation
- Driving while intoxicated within 5 years of any drug or alcohol-related violation
Driver’s licenses can also be revoked for other serious reasons such as assault or death caused by operating a motor vehicle, as well as for making false statements when applying for a license or registration or substituting another driver on a road test. Speeding can lead to revocation, as can failing to carry the proper auto insurance minimum required by the state of New York.
It probably goes without saying, but if your driver’s license has been suspended or revoked, you are not permitted to operate a motor vehicle during this time.
Doing so could lead to high fines, prison sentences, or probation. Basically, you don’t want to let things come to this…it’s not a great place to find yourself.
So, other than avoiding all the activities that could incur suspension or probation, how would you go about getting back a license that’s been taken away? Here’s how:
After the set time of your suspension has come to an end, you must pay a fee to have the suspension officially terminated. This does not apply to indefinite suspensions, or those pending a hearing, prosecution, or investigation. The fee will be determined by the cause of the suspension.
Once a revocation period has been completed, here too you will have to pay a non-refundable re-application fee. Depending on the nature of the revocation, you may have to pay a Civil Penalty fee before applying for a new license.
All this information may seem bleak, but if you’ve had your license suspended or revoked and have met the mandatory time and fee conditions needed to either re-instate or re-apply for a license, there is a light at the end of the tunnel. New York State does restore driving privileges, and has a thorough page on their website detailing the requirements of driver’s license restoration. For more information on how to get back to driving legally, visit their page.
In general, it’s good to note that rules and regulations are subject to change at any time (something that’s true for all states), so it’s a smart idea to confirm any and all of New York’s driving laws on a regular basis. Forewarned is forearmed, as they say. Because we know folks are getting ready to drive to the closest Star-B’s for that PSL!
As for us – the folks at eTags – we are constantly working to keep up with all things automotive related. In the state of New York, we can help you transfer your title, renew your registration, and obtain new plates as well. So once you’ve squared away your operating privileges, keep in mind that all the other busywork associated with clean driving is as easy as a click away. Because, remember: at eTags, we’re here to help!
