It’s happened—your driver’s license is suspended, and you need to get around. That means you’ll need to make arrangements to get around for a while. If you’ve been considering carpooling, taking public transit or bicycling to work for a while, you’ll be covered. But you’ll still need to deal with the suspension, and getting your license back.
Why Your License Was Suspended
North Carolina has a number of reasons why your license might be suspended, including multiple traffic violations.
For a single offense, you can lose your license for:
- 30 days if you were driving over 55 mph and at least 15 mph over the speed limit
- One year if you fail to stop and offer aid when involved in an accident
- Three years for illegal street racing with another individual, which includes the seizure of your vehicle
Having more than one offense or conviction can also lead to a suspension:
- One year if you have two or more convictions for driving over 55 mph and 15 mph over the speed limit.
- A conviction of reckless driving and one of the aforementioned speeding
- A conviction of speeding over 75 mph
- A court sentence that prohibits your ability to operate a motor vehicle for a specific time period
You can also request a suspension hearing by calling your local DMV or writing to the DMV in Raleigh. They will notify you by mail of the time and place for your hearing. You can appeal their decision within 30 days.
Non-Driving Reasons For Suspension
So your driving record is perfect, but your license was still suspended? There could be another reason for that, including:
- Not appearing in court for other traffic or parking tickets
- Drug/alcohol rehab
- Not paying court-ordered child support
- Fraudulent actions
- Leaving a vehicle running with an unattended child inside
- Other court probations and/or violations
Suspension Vs. Revocation
A suspended driver’s license is only suspended for a period of time, such as 30 days. You will not have to re-apply for your driver’s license and re-take any tests. You may be required to pay fines to tickets as well.
A revocation indicates that your license was canceled completely, along with your driving privileges. Your license can be reinstated once you meet the state’s eligibility requirements.
Getting Your License Back
The suspension isn’t the same as a complete revocation, and you can drive again. Once your suspension period is over, you can have it restored by:
- Paying a restoration fee of $65 to the North Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)
- An additional $50 fee if you didn’t turn your license into the DMV before the start of the suspension period
- An additional $130 fee if your suspension was for Driving While Impaired (DWI)
Working with an attorney who specializes in driver’s license suspension can make the process easier, especially if you experience any obstacles in the process or need to file a DMV appeal.
You Can Drive Again
Having your driver’s license suspended is a serious inconvenience, and can cost a considerable amount of money if you’re unable to get to work or get around. Attorney Dewey P. Brinkley is your best chance in Raleigh for getting your license back and your driving privileges restored. Call today: 919-832-0307 (or contact him online) to schedule an appointment for your free initial consultation.