Suspended License

Having a driver’s license is a privilege. There are many instances when a driver can lose their right to drive through a license suspension. This can be very inconvenient to someone who is dependant upon their car to get to work, school, or other obligations. There are many areas where public transportation is not convenient or available, which makes having a suspended license even more difficult.

In Georgia, there are many reasons for a license suspension. They include:

1. Excessive moving violations - if too many points, which is defined as 15 points, accumulate on a driver’s record within a two year period of time

2. DUI - Driving under the influence is a serious crime and will result in a license suspension, among other penalties; the length of the suspension depends upon the number of offenses by the defendant, whether there was an accident or fatality involved, and whether the defendant refused a blood alcohol content (BAC) test

3. Driving with no license

4. Driving with a suspended license - this will lead to a longer sentence for the new violation in addition to the underlying license suspension; this can also include jail time if the violation is serious enough

5. Driving without auto insurance, which is illegal in South Carolina, can lead to a 60 to 90 day license suspension; drivers must always have proof of their insurance in their vehicle

6. Psychological reasons - the Department of Driver Services’ Chief Administrator has the power to order examinations of any person suspected of being unfit to drive because of psychological reasons.

Other reasons for a license suspension can include failure to appear in court for a traffic ticket, failure to pay child support, and committing a crime with a vehicle such as manslaughter or robbery. Drivers under the legal drinking age of 21 can face a license suspension if they are caught purchasing alcohol, trying to elude a police officer, leaving the scene of an accident, or partaking in reckless driving. For habitual offenders, the court may revoke their license for up to five years.