Is Getting a Driver’s License Suspended and Revoked the Same Thing? 

 Posted on September 22, 2021 in Criminal Law

Being able to drive is one of the most important privileges we use every day. Getting to work, taking kids to school, and buying groceries all rely on the use of a car. Losing the ability to drive because of a driver’s license suspension or revocation can be annoying at best, and financially crippling at worst. 

Although a driver’s license suspension and a revocation may seem similar, they are two different penalties and result in different consequences. This article looks at the difference between a suspension and a revocation, but your attorney is the best source for answers to your questions. 

Driver’s License Revocations

A driver’s license revocation is generally given to someone who commits a serious traffic violation. These include, but are not limited to: 

• Abandoning the scene of an accident that resulted in an injury or death

• Reckless Driving

• Street Racing

• Stealing a car or other vehicle

• An aggravated or felony DUI conviction

A driver’s license revocation results in the indefinite loss of driving privileges. Generally, it is not possible to have a revoked license reinstated before more than a year has passed, and a person hoping to reinstate their driver’s license must attend a hearing with the Secretary of State. During the hearing, a hearing officer will ask questions about the incident resulting in the revocation, drug and alcohol use, the driver’s history, and other risk factors to ensure that reinstating the driver’s license would be a safe decision. 

Driver’s License Suspensions

Driver’s license suspensions are less permanent than revocations and subsequently are usually a consequence of less serious violations. Sometimes a driver’s specific offense provides more strict rules about reinstatement, but after a predetermined length of time, a driver can usually pay a reinstatement fee and get their driving privileges reinstated. Drivers licenses may be suspended for many reasons, including:

• Failure to pay child support

• Failure to go to court for a traffic violation hearing

• Having any alcohol in your bloodstream under the age of 21

• Driving with an open container 

• Refusing to take a blood or breath test after being arrested for a DUI

• Failing a blood or breath test after being arrested for a DUI

Speak with a Rolling Meadows Traffic Violation Attorney

You may worry that getting your driver’s license back after a suspension or revocation seems impossible, but Scott F. Anderson, Attorney at Law may be able to help. He has worked with hundreds of cases like yours, and he will do everything he can to help you get your driving privileges back so you can move on with your life. Do not leave anything to chance at your reinstatement hearing - work with an experienced Arlington Heights driver’s license reinstatement attorney. Contact us today to get your free consultation. Call us at 847-253-3400. 

Source:

https://www.cyberdriveillinois.com/departments/drivers/losepriv.html