Helergon.com - Having a driver’s license can bring a lot of joy and happiness to a person. Those who already have a license can drive more freely and safely. However, there is one thing that every driver’s license owner needs to know: driving license status. We must know whether the license is suspended or not, which is very important because it relates to the applicable law.
The Importance of Checking Driver’s License Status
After having a driver’s license, many people are usually free to drive as they please until the time they forget to take care of their license. Renewing your driver’s license is very important to maintain your driving activity. Because of a crime or violation in driving, it could be that your driver’s license can no longer be used.
There are various reasons why your driver’s license may not be in its optimal condition anymore. Checking your driver’s license is an activity for many people, one of the reasons is because they want to know whether the expiration date is near or not. If it is within the validity period, then the driver’s license must be renewed.
We need to know that the driving authority, DMV, has the legal right to revoke a driver’s license. They do this after there is a strong enough reason to take legal action against the driver’s license. One example is when a person drives recklessly and violates traffic laws.
Due to various circumstances that may cause your license to be suspended or other statuses, it is better to check it frequently.
About Driver’s License Status, Expired or Suspended?
Knowing the status of your driver’s license can help you plan what to do with it. The status of your driver’s license can be either expired or suspended. Since this will be related to your driving activities to be under the law, you need to be able to check your driver’s license.
1. Expired Driver’s License Status
One possibility is that your license status is expired. The law on how long a license can be used is quite complicated and can vary from state to state. Anyway, in the United States, driver’s license issuance is applied according to the policies of each state.
However, there are some exceptions that you might need to learn about. Federally-issued licenses can be shared, such as for government staff, military members, and so on. From application to license issuance, it will follow the laws of your state.
Even though it has to depend on each state, a driver’s license from one state can still be used in another state so you don’t have to worry about driving between states. All states have their standards for these licenses and they are all recognized.
Each state has a different driver’s license expiration policy and it’s important to be aware of it. Some states do not even impose an expiration period on the driver’s license they issue under certain conditions. As one case in point, California has a 4-year expiration date for driver’s licenses from the time of issuance.
Driver’s license renewal will be done automatically when it expires (4 years) except when the person is ticketed in an accident or other conditions. In Arizona, a driver’s license will not even expire until the driver is 65 years old. Once they reach that age, they only need to renew their license.
Quite different from the case of military members, they can get a driver’s license from the federal government to have the right to drive vehicles with special plates. Since this is a service driver’s license, it may no longer be used if they are no longer serving in the military. Regardless of the state you live in, you should regularly check the expiration date of your driver’s license to make sure you don’t forget it.
2. Status of Suspended Driver’s License
Some people tend to rush to check their driver’s license for reasons of suspension. Yes, driver’s license suspension is very possible and there are a variety of circumstances that make it possible. A driver’s license revocation is a much more serious matter than a license that is about to expire.
If we take a look back, driving is an activity that many people need to do. Several driving tests must be completed, which can be quite rigorous for some people. After completing a series of tests, we can then have a legal license to drive.
However, if we don’t apply the base of what’s in the driving tests, then you might be given action by the DMV. License revocation can happen when someone violates the driving rules repeatedly. Before we go any further, you need to know that license suspension and revocation are quite different.
We can assume that the license suspension is temporary. After some time, the license can be used again as usual. But it will all depend on you, more precisely your next driving activity after the suspension.
The DMV has explained a lot about these driving rules that must be followed so we should know enough not to commit any more violations. There are certain periods of license suspension and there are times when you have to pay a certain fine. After some processing, you can use your license again.
In the process, certain extra measures may need to be taken, such as making sure your taxes are paid in full first. If your driver’s license is revoked, this is a permanent case. In other words, there is no hope of your driver’s license ever being used again.
So why can a driver’s license be revoked? Usually, this happens when drivers continue to commit violations even though their license has been suspended several times. If the offense is committed repeatedly, it can certainly cause traffic hazards for both the violator and others.
Therefore, this punishment may be for the best. In addition, it is possible to apply for a new driver’s license, but there are times when the DMV may reject the application.
How to Know if Your License is Suspended?
Knowing the status of a driver’s license is important for everyone. Don’t hesitate to check your driver’s license even if it’s quite thrilling after you’ve committed a previous offense. Checking your driver’s license is easier than ever these days.
Regardless of the status of your driver’s license, you can find out whether it needs to be renewed immediately, or is currently suspended. More precisely, the license management for each state may be slightly different. But one thing for sure is that checking your driver’s license can be done through DMV service.
They provide options on how to check your driver’s license to make you more free and comfortable. For most states, here are some ways you can check your driver’s license:
1. Visiting The DMV Office
One way is to visit the DMV office in the state you live in. Once you arrive at the office, you’ll need to fill out a form with your details. This way, you can find out your driver’s license status quickly and easily. To find out the location of the DMV, you can visit their official website.
Since you will be visiting a public place, there may be specific health guidelines or protocols there and you should follow them carefully.
2. Check Your Driver’s License Online
To make things easier, and not require you to leave the house, you can consider checking your license online. In most cases, you’ll need to register an online account with the relevant DMV platform first.
If you already have an account, then you can use the services or features on the platform including getting your driver record. There are times when you need to pay a fee to access features on certain DMV portals. Most states approach the system online because it is more relevant.
So make the most of it if the state where you live offers a special portal to check your driver’s license. The thing you need to remember if you want to do this method is that you will need to verify your identity to be more secure.
3. Check Driver’s License Using Email
Another way you can check your driver’s license is by using email. You can use email services to easily check if your driver’s license is suspended or expired. To get the driver’s record, you need to send INF 1125. This form lists some of your personal information, one of which is your driver’s license number. If you have filled it out completely, then please send the email.
Some DMVs provide email services to make it easier for the public. Most set up an email submission form on their official website. You can reach it on the Contact Us menu or similar. You can input your details and then make sure your description is clear enough so that the DMV team can know what you need.
In the description field, you can explain that you need information on the status of your driver’s license, whether it’s suspended or not. Within a few days, they will respond to your email.
4. Get Information From Insurance Companies
Another way you can try is by contacting the insurance company. They will provide comprehensive information about the insurance policy in force. If your car insurance has expired, they will provide you with notifications, including if the license is experiencing problems such as being suspended.
So, another easy way to check your driver’s license is to contact an insurance agent.
5. Get a Call
Calls are a classic and effective way to find out information including finding out if your driver’s license is suspended. If you can’t make it to the DMV office, then you can still talk to their team directly on the call. Find out the customer service number for the DMV where you live.
Just tell them what you need and the detailed personal information they need. Once you tell them what you need and provide the license details, the DMV team will check your driver’s license immediately. It is better to find out the uptime of the phone line at the relevant DMV as it may not be accessible during weekends or special days.
So, those are some of the ways you can try so that you can know if your driver’s license is expired, suspended, or even revoked.
About the Law of Driving License Suspension
There is a possibility of your license being suspended and you should take it seriously enough. This is the law surrounding the prohibition of drivers to use their motorized vehicles. There is usually a certain period for the driving ban so drivers should be patient enough until the period is over.
For every state in the US, there are laws surrounding driver’s license suspension. The details of the penalties for each state’s regulations can be quite different. In these suspension laws, the official regulations around why a driver’s license can be revoked or suspended are explained. Its function is to better ensure the safety of all drivers on the road.
For what reasons can a driver’s license be suspended? Find out more in the following points:
1. DUI or ‘Driving Under The Influence’
There are quite a few conditions that can make this happen. One of the most common is DUI, where it is strongly advised not to drive if you are under the influence of alcohol. To clarify, there is a standard limit of 0.08% blood alcohol content (the rule of most states).
But it might be different for those who are not more than 21 years old, the BAC limit for them could be lower.
2. Bad Driving
License suspension can also be applied to those who drive recklessly. Some drivers drive their vehicles without respecting traffic rules or endangering those around them be it pedestrians or other drivers. They are the ones who are likely to get their license suspended.
As encouraged in the driver’s license test, it is necessary to drive in a manner that complies with traffic rules. As long as you follow the driving rules properly, you can prevent your license from being suspended.
3. Problems With Traffic Ticket Payment
If you fail to pay your ticket after committing a traffic violation, your license may be suspended. Therefore, it is better to pay the ticket fee immediately if you get it because it can threaten the status of your driver’s license.
4. Poor Driver Record Points
Another aspect that makes suspension possible is the accumulation of points that are already at their limit. Points will continue to accrue on a driver’s record whenever someone violates traffic rules. When enough points are accumulated (over a certain period), their license can be suspended.
In addition to the points above, other possibilities can make your driver’s license problematic. Driving is illegal when you drive without insurance, and this applies to many states. This problem can affect your driver’s license. Other causes can include medical conditions that prevent you from driving, and not attending court for traffic violations.
That’s about how you can tell if your driver’s license is suspended, expired, or revoked. You don’t want your driver’s license to be revoked because it can’t be used anymore. But, it would be better to keep your driver’s license unsuspended to make things easier for you.
FAQ: How to Know if Your License is Suspended
1. What are the common reasons for license suspension?
- Failure to pay traffic fines or court fees
- Accumulating too many points on your driving record due to traffic violations
- Driving without insurance
- Refusing a breathalyzer or blood test when suspected of drunk driving
- Unpaid child support
2. How can I check the status of my driver's license?
- Contact your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or Department of Transportation (DOT) to inquire about the status of your license.
- Many states offer online license status checks through their official websites.
- You can also request a copy of your driving record, which will indicate if your license is currently suspended.
- What should I do if my license is suspended?
- Determine the reason for the suspension and take the necessary steps to resolve the issue, such as paying outstanding fines or fees.
- Avoid driving until your license is reinstated to avoid further penalties.
- If you need to drive for work or other essential purposes, you may be able to apply for a hardship license or temporary restricted license.
- How long does a license suspension typically last?
- The length of a suspension can vary depending on the reason and your state's laws. It can range from a few months to several years.
- Some suspensions may be lifted once the underlying issue is resolved, while others may require a waiting period before you can apply for reinstatement.
- What are the consequences of driving with a suspended license?
- Driving with a suspended license can result in additional fines, penalties, or even criminal charges, such as a misdemeanor or felony.
- You may also face vehicle impoundment, increased insurance rates, and further license suspension or revocation.
- How can I get my license reinstated after a suspension?
- Contact your state's DMV or DOT to understand the specific requirements for reinstatement, which may include paying outstanding fines, and fees, or completing a driver's education course.
- You may need to provide proof of insurance and submit a reinstatement application.
- In some cases, you may need to wait a certain amount of time before you can apply for reinstatement.
Remember, the specific requirements and procedures for checking your license status and reinstating a suspended license can vary by state, so it's important to consult your local authorities for the most up-to-date and accurate information.
Comments