Getting your license back costs money on top of the fines. DMV charges termination and re-application fees, civil penalties after certain revocations, and a Driver Responsibility Assessment that you pay every year for three years.
Know the rule
Many crashes can be prevented, which is why the word "crash" usually replaces "accident." If you're in a crash in which someone is killed, your license can be suspended or revoked after a DMV hearing even if you weren't charged with a violation.
Handbook p. 22 ↗Fees to get your license back
| Situation | What you pay |
|---|---|
| Suspension for a set period (e.g., 30 or 90 days) | $50 suspension termination fee |
| Zero Tolerance suspension | $125 civil penalty + $100 termination fee |
| Revocation | $100 re-application fee |
Know the rule
The $50 and $100 fees are non-refundable. The $100 re-application fee is not required if you were revoked for operating without insurance or were issued a license with conditions or restricted uses.
Handbook p. 23 ↗Civil penalties before a new license is accepted
| Revocation for | Civil penalty |
|---|---|
| Operating without insurance, or crash without insurance | $750 |
| Chemical test refusal | $500 ($550 in a commercial vehicle) |
| Refusal within 5 years of an alcohol/drug/refusal revocation | $750 |
Driver Responsibility Assessment
An extra DMV charge for certain convictions or findings, on top of fines, fees, penalties and surcharges. Not paying it suspends your permit, license or privilege.
Handbook p. 23 ↗Driver Responsibility Assessments
| Trigger | Charge | How long |
|---|---|---|
| Agg-DWI, DWI, DWAI, DWAI-drug or chemical test refusal | $250 a year | 3 years |
| 6 points within any 18 months | $100 a year | 3 years |
| Each additional point in that period | +$25 per point a year | 3 years |
Know the rule
The assessment covers violations in motor vehicles and, in some cases, motorboats and snowmobiles. A crash prevention course does not reduce the points counted for it.
Handbook p. 23 ↗Know the rule
Driving while suspended or revoked is a criminal offense: mandatory fines from $200 to $5,000, possible mandatory jail or probation, and the vehicle can be seized and forfeited. Penalties are harsher if you're also impaired after an earlier alcohol or drug suspension.
Handbook p. 23 ↗Know the rule
Drivers with 10 or more suspensions for failing to answer tickets face severe penalties. With 20 or more, you face a criminal charge even if you weren't driving when arrested.
Handbook p. 23 ↗Put it into practice
You're convicted of violations totaling 8 points within 18 months. Your assessment is $100 plus $25 for each of the 2 extra points: $150 a year for three years, or $450 in total, on top of your fines.