Some violations take your license automatically. A suspension is temporary; a revocation terminates the privilege. Driving while suspended or revoked makes everything worse: jail, fines, and a longer loss of privilege.
Know the rule
Driving while denied, suspended, or revoked can bring 90 days in jail and a fine, and the original period is extended by the same length. For example, a three-month suspension gets three more months.
Handbook p. 80 ↗Know the rule
If the original action was alcohol-related, the fine may be up to $1,000 with up to six months in jail. Driving while suspended or revoked for DUI, drug metabolite, automobile homicide, an alcohol-restricted violation, or refusal can get your vehicle impounded.
Handbook p. 80 ↗Mandatory suspension (up to two years, or until age 21) for:
- An offense that requires mandatory suspension
- Causing or contributing to a crash by reckless or unlawful conduct that injures, kills, or does serious damage
- Fraudulently using your license or letting someone else use it
- Enough traffic violations to fall under the point system
- A DUI arrest or any drug offense conviction
- Failing to appear in court for a traffic violation, or to pay court fines or restitution
- Failing to show proof of no-fault insurance or driving a vehicle without required insurance
More grounds for suspension:
- Failing to pay child support
- A texting conviction, if the judge orders suspension
- Under 21 and using false proof of age for alcohol or to enter a bar
- Custodial interference
- A move-over law conviction without completing the four-hour live classroom course
- A first road-rage-enhanced conviction (court may suspend one year)
Mandatory revocation if a court finds you guilty of:
- Manslaughter or automobile homicide while driving
- A second or later conviction for DUI or driving with a measurable controlled substance (even prescribed)
- A false statement under oath on a license application
- Using a vehicle to commit a felony
- Failing to stop and give aid in a crash causing death or injury
- Two reckless or impaired driving charges in one year
- Fleeing or refusing to stop for a police officer's signal
Also mandatory revocation:
- Firing, or allowing, a firearm or explosive, chemical, or incendiary device from a vehicle
- Driving with alcohol while alcohol-restricted, or without a required ignition interlock
- Careless driving, if the judge orders revocation
- Automobile homicide using a handheld wireless device
- Refusing a chemical test
- Two road-rage-enhanced citations in one year
Know the rule
If you forfeit bail after being arrested for one of these offenses, your license is revoked or suspended as if you had been found guilty.
Handbook p. 82 ↗Reckless driving
Driving with willful and/or wanton disregard for the safety of people or property. The court may recommend a three-month suspension on a first conviction.
Handbook p. 82 ↗Put it into practice
A driver's license is suspended for four months, but he keeps driving to work and gets caught. He faces up to 90 days in jail and a fine, and his suspension grows by another four months.