Losing your driver’s license is not only inconvenient but also very stressful. There are many reasons why a Virginia driver could have their license suspended or revoked. Courts, the Department of Social Services and the DMV all have the right to revoke or suspend your driver’s license under certain circumstances. But no matter the reason you end up with a revoked or suspended license, it’s important to understand that there is a process you can follow to help you get your license back.
How to start reinstating your driving privileges
It’s important to understand the difference between a license suspension and a license revocation. With a suspension, your driving privileges are temporarily taken away for a certain time period or until you comply with specified requirements. Once you meet these requirements, the DMV can reissue your license without retesting.
A revocation is more complicated than a suspension because it’s intended to be a complete termination of your driving privileges. Once you have a revoked license, you will have to meet the terms designated by the revoking body to get your license restored. When you have meet the terms, you will have to retake the road skills test, a vision screening and the knowledge test before the court will reinstate your license.
Restricted driving privileges
Some drivers may be eligible for restricted driving privileges after a suspension or revocation related to a conviction for certain crimes. These include first-offense DUI, reckless driving, aggressive driving, illegal possession of alcohol, illegal consumption of alcohol or a drug violation not related to driving. The court may award these privileges at the time of conviction. If the DMV suspends your driving privileges, you may have the option to gain restricted driving privileges, depending on the terms of the suspension.
When DUI convictions are involved, the court may order you to enroll in the Virginia Alcohol Safety Action Program. This program will require you to have an ignition interlock system installed on your vehicle before you’re allowed to drive again. Some drivers may have to enroll in a driver improvement program before the reinstating of their license.
Legal help can be beneficial in getting your license back
Understanding the terms of your license suspension or revocation is not always easy. When you’re facing the loss of your driving privileges, it’s important to ask for help from an experienced criminal defense attorney. Facing a driving-related conviction in Virginia can be daunting, but it’s important that you have the knowledge and help you need to make the right decisions based on your case.