Driving on a Suspended License in Georgia

Drivers within the United States, including those within the state of Georgia, generally categorize traffic violations based on the perceived impact of the infraction. Therefore, there is a tendency to view violations such as driving under the influence, reckless driving, or just about any other violation that results in death, dismemberment or some form of injury, as serious offences, while all other traffic violations are seen as minimal.

There is one traffic violation however, to which drivers need to pay closer attention. This violation is driving on a suspended license. In Georgia this particular traffic violation is actually a very serious offense, with the first incidence requiring mandatory jail time.

Since this traffic violation has such severe and unyielding penalties, it is prudent to be aware of some of the ways in which you may have your license suspended in the state of Georgia. The truth is, there are quite a number of ways in which you may find yourself the proud, or not so proud, owner of a suspended license. Some situations in which your license may be suspended include failure to appear in traffic court to pay parking ticket fines, being found guilty of a drug offense, or allowing your motor vehicular insurance to lapse. There are, of course, a host of other situations that may lead to your license being suspended.

Once your license has been suspended you should avoid driving until the situation has been resolved. If you are caught driving on a suspended license, you will not only receive a traffic ticket that carries a minimum fine of five hundred dollars, but you will also be charged with a misdemeanor and be required to spend two days in jail. Additionally, state law dictates that you stand the cost for two defensive driving classes and pay two license reinstatement fees. These penalties of course, only apply if this is your first offense.

Subsequent penalties for driving with a suspended license within five years of your initial conviction include increased jail time and increased fines, and if you are found to be a habitual violator then you will have your license revoked for two years. In addition to the penalties already discussed, offenders may face extended license suspension even after only the first offense. This can be avoided however, if you secure the services of a competent attorney.

So with these stiff penalties in mind, I am certain that you can see the prudence involved in avoiding driving with a suspended license.