If you’re like most people, you know your California driver's license can be suspended for two main reasons: 1) for drunk or drugged driving, and 2) for having too many moving violations on your driving record. But guess what? There are several other reasons why your driver's license can be suspended, which we’re going to explain in this post.
As we mentioned, there are several reasons why the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) would suspend or revoke someone’s driver’s license. This means that the court or the DMV decides that someone cannot drive until certain conditions are met and the driver's license suspension or revocation is lifted.
Reasons for Suspended License in CA
The main reasons why a California resident’s driver’s license can be suspended include:
- Driving under the influence of alcohol. Upon a first DUI conviction, the driver faces up to a six-month driver's license suspension.
- Driving under the influence of drugs, including marijuana, a prescription drug, or an illegal drug. Up to a six-month license suspension may be imposed.
- Getting into an accident and not having insurance. This would result in a four-year driver's license suspension.
- Failing to report an accident.
- Underage drinking will result in a one-year driver's license suspension, or the young driver has to wait until they turn 18, whichever happens later.
- If you refuse or fail to complete a chemical test in the form of a blood, breath, or urine test, your license will be automatically suspended for one year.
- If you have too many points on your driving record, the DMV will suspend your driver's license for six months, or it revokes your license.
- If you vandalize someone else’s property, your driver's license will be suspended for one year. If you’re too young to get your license, when you do apply for it you won’t be able to get it for one year.
- If you fail to appear in court on a traffic ticket, or if you fail to pay the fine, the court will notify the DMV and your license will be suspended.
- If you fail to pay child support under Section 17520 of the Family Code, your driver's license will be suspended until you pay the arrears in full or enter into a satisfactory payment arrangement with the local child support agency.
Depending on the facts of your case, it is possible that you’ll be able to obtain a restricted license, which would allow you to drive to and from work during the license suspension.
To discuss your legal options and to learn how to get your license back, contact the Law Office of Nabiel C. Ahmed today by calling (510) 907-6600!