How to Reinstate your Suspended Driver License and Restore your Driving Privileges
Summary
This Simple Chart Lists the Common Causes of a Suspended License & How to Resolve them and Get Back on the Road...FAST!
Why is my License Suspended?
...and How do I Fix My License...Fast??
Driving with a suspended license is illegal. If you are caught driving with a suspended license you can face very significant criminal charges. As such, it is critical that you fix your suspended license immediately. Please feel free to visit our Aggravated Unlicensed Operation page to learn about the ramifications of this type of charge.
Unfortunately, the DMV does not make it easy to determine how to reinstate your suspended license...But we do!
Step 1: Obtain a copy of your Driver Abstract which will list all of your current suspensions. You can Call Us 24/7 and we will be happy to run your abstract at no charge. You can also obtain your abstract by visiting a DMV office or by establishing a MyDMV Account online.
Step 2: Once you know why your license is suspended, you can use the simple chart below to learn what needs to be done to lift the suspensions.
| Failure to Appear in Court | If you are issued a traffic ticket and fail to answer it or appear in court, the court will suspend your license. A court appearance will be required in order to lift your suspension.
It is always advisable to consult with a traffic ticket lawyer who can often can appear in court on your behalf and get your charges reduced or dismissed. |
| NYC Fines | If you are found guilty of a fine, your license will be suspended if you fail to pay the fine or enter into a payment plan.
Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Bronx and Staten Island fines can be paid (or a payment plan entered) in person at any TVB office or online at the DMV Plead or Pay site |
| Fines Outside of NYC | If you owe a fine outside of NYC, you must contact the court in which the fines are due to determine the outstanding fine and the acceptable payment methods. Each court has a different policy with respect to payment of fines. Some fines can be paid online and some must be paid in person.
If you were convicted of a violation by default (because you didnt answer the ticket or appear in court) it is important to consult with a traffic attorney who can often vacate the default and have your charges reduced or dismissed. |
| Driver Responsibility Assessment | This penalty is assessed when you accumulate 6 or more points on your license. This assessment is $300 for the first 6 points plus $75 per point over 6. It can be paid in full or in installments over 3 years.
Payment can be made in person at any DMV office or online at the NY DMV Driver Responsibility Payment page |
| Suspension Termination Fee | When your license is suspended, you must pay a $50 fee before the end of the suspension term in order for your suspension to be lifted.
Payment can be paid in person at any DMV office or online at the NY DMV Suspension Termination Fee Payment page |
| Insurance Lapse Civil Penalty | If your insurance lapses for more than 90 days, your license will be indefinitely suspended until you surrender your license plates at which time a definite suspension will begin and will last for the amount of days that you were uninsured.
Payment can be paid in person at any DMV office or online at the NY DMV Pay Insurance Lapse site |
| Civil Penalty | A civil penalty is assessed if:
Payment can be made in person at a DMV office or online at the NY DMV Pay Driver Civil Penalty page. |
| 11 Points | The DMV will suspend your license for a minimum of 31 days if you accumulate 11 points or more within an 18 month period.
You may apply for a restricted license during that period of time. Restricted licenses are explained below. |
| 3 Speeding Violations | Your license will be revoked for a minimum of 6 months if you are convicted of 3 speeding violations within an 18 month period.
You may apply for a restricted license during that period of time. Restricted licenses are explained below. |
| Driving without Insurance | Your license will be revoked for one year If you are convicted of uninsured operation of a motor vehicle.
You may apply for a restricted license during that period of time. Restricted licenses are explained below. |
| Permissive Suspension/ Revocation | If a Judge finds that you are a dangerous driver, he or she can issue a discretionary suspension or revocation of your license for a period of time determined by the Judge pursuant to VTL Section 510(3).
Note that you will not be eligible for a restricted license if your license is suspended or revoked under this provision of the VTL. |
| Restoration of Driving Privileges Application | At the conclusion of a revocation period, you must apply for restoration of your driving privileges. The fee for this application is $100 (unless you paid one of the civil penalties discussed above).
This application can be done in writing or online on the NY DMV License Restoration page. |
Conditional and Restricted Licenses
If your license is suspended or revoked, you are generally eligible for a restricted or conditional license. You must apply for a conditional or restricted use license in person at a DMV office. The fee is $75.
A restricted license is issued to a qualified driver whose license is suspended or revoked because of violations or incidents not alcohol or drugs.
A conditional license is issued to a qualified driver whose license has been suspended or revoked because of an alcohol or drug-related violation.
A restricted or conditional license allows you to drive in limited circumstances including:
- to and from your place of employment
- during the hours of your employment, if your occupation requires the operation of a motor vehicle
- to and from a medical appointment for you or a member of your household
- to and from a DMV office
- to and from your child's school or day-care
- to and from your school
Suspended License Lawyer - Available 24/7
If your license is suspended, it is important to speak to an experienced traffic attorney as soon as possible to help you navigate the rules of the courts and the DMV. Please feel free to Call Veltry Law 24/7 for a free consultation. We will run your driver abstract free of charge and let you know what needs to be done to fix your license. Please feel free to vist our website for more information about how we can help. Many times you will not require the services of a traffic lawyer and we will be happy to provide you with all the information you need to lift your suspensions on your own. Either way, we promise to help you reinstate your license and get you back on the road FAST!