Some violations take away your license automatically; you don't need to pile up points first. Alcohol and drugs, chemical test refusals, repeated speeding and driving uninsured all carry required suspensions or revocations. The periods below are minimums.
Alcohol & drug convictions
| Violation | Minimum license action |
|---|---|
| Aggravated DWI (.18 BAC) | 1-year revocation |
| DWI (.08 BAC) | 6-month revocation |
| DWAI (alcohol) | 90-day suspension |
| DWAI-drug | 6-month revocation |
| DUI out of state | 90-day to 6-month revocation |
Chemical test refusals
| Driver | Minimum revocation |
|---|---|
| Over 21, first refusal | 1 year |
| Over 21, within 5 years of a refusal or alcohol/drug case | 18 months |
| Under 21, first refusal | 1 year |
| Under 21, second refusal | Until age 21 or 1 year, whichever is longer |
| Zero Tolerance test refusal | 1 year |
Know the rule
If you are under 21 when arrested, a conviction for any listed alcohol or drug violation brings at least a one-year revocation; a second one while under 21 means one year or until age 21, whichever is longer. This applies to youthful offenders and out-of-state cases too.
Handbook p. 21 ↗Know the rule
Zero Tolerance: a driver under 21 with a BAC of .02 to .07 is suspended for six months. A second violation means revocation for one year or until age 21, whichever is longer. A .02 BAC could come from only one drink.
Handbook p. 21 ↗Your license is revoked for at least six months for:
- Three speeding and/or misdemeanor traffic violations within 18 months (by violation date)
- Three "passing a stopped school bus" violations within three years
- One violation of leaving the scene of a personal injury or fatal crash
- One "participating in a speed contest" violation
Know the rule
A second speed contest conviction within 12 months brings a revocation of at least one year.
Handbook p. 21 ↗Know the rule
Driving, or letting someone drive, your uninsured vehicle, or DMV evidence of a crash without insurance, means revocation for at least one year. If coverage expires, turn in the plates and registration to a motor vehicle office.
Handbook p. 21 ↗Indefinite suspension, until you correct the problem, if you fail to:
- File a crash report
- Pay child support
- Pay taxes
- Satisfy a court judgment resulting from a traffic crash
Know the rule
Motorboat and snowmobile operators under 21 who drink alcohol face similar penalties against their privileges to operate a motorboat or snowmobile.
Handbook p. 20 ↗Put it into practice
You get speeding tickets in February, June and the following April, all within 18 months. Even if the last conviction comes months later, the violation dates count, so your license is revoked for at least six months.