REASONS FOR DRIVER’S LICENSE SUSPENSIONS IN WASHINGTON DC

There are a variety of reasons why your Washington DC driver’s license might be suspended. Some of these are related to specific driving violations, while others may be due to violation of other State laws. The following are some of the most common reasons for a Washington DC driver’s license to be suspended or revoked:

• Excessive Moving Violations: The Washington DC operates on a point system, in which drivers accumulate points on their license for every moving violation they commit. If you accumulate 10 or 11 or more points on your current driver record, your license will be suspended for up to 90 days. 12 or more points will result in your license being revoked for 6 months.
• Driving Under the Influence: Your Washington DC driver’s license will be suspended if you are found guilty of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. The length of the suspension depends on the severity of the violation and whether it is a first or repeat offense.
• Driving with a Suspended License or No License: Driving with a suspended license will result in the accumulation of 12 points and your license will be revoked automatically. You will be jailed for up to 1 year and fined up to $5,000.
• Driving without Insurance: All motor vehicles driven in Washington DC must be properly insured. Failure to provide proof of valid auto insurance can result in your license being suspended.
• Other Driving-Related Violations: Your Washington DC driver’s license may also be suspended if you engage in reckless driving, are found to be at fault in a fatal accident, or if you abandon your vehicle on a public highway.
• Physical or Psychological Disqualification: The DMV can order a re-examination of any person who may not be fit to drive. An individual’s driving privileges may be suspended if the re-examination finds they are physically or psychologically unable to drive safely.
• Non-Driving Reasons for License Suspension: A variety of non-driving violations or issues can result in your license being suspended. These include failing to pay traffic tickets, fines or surcharges; and not paying child support.

NOTE: In addition to your DMV suspension, you may also face court penalties, which may include additional suspensions and fines.

ACTIONS TO TAKE IF YOUR WASHINGTON DC DRIVER’S LICENSE IS SUSPENDED

Having your Washington DC driver’s license suspended is a serious matter and it is essential to adhere to State law in the event that your license is suspended. If you believe your license may be suspended due to one of the reasons listed above it is prudent to speak with a traffic ticket lawyer or a DUI-DWI lawyer.

• While your license is suspended, you are not permitted to drive. If you are found driving with a suspended license, you may be imprisoned for up to 1 year and pay a fine of up to $5,000.
• Do not drive until you have completed the necessary steps and received a valid, replacement license from the Washington DC DMV.
• After your suspension is over, you must apply to have your license reinstated. This may be done in person or by mail.
• To schedule a hearing in person, visit your local Driver Improvement Office.
• To apply by mail, write to:

DMV Driver Improvement Office

PO Box 91980

Washington, DC 20090

CHECK YOUR DRIVER’S LICENSE STATUS

Traffic violation and accidents can lead to driving record points, which remain on your D.C. record for 2 years. If you accumulate too many driving record points, your D.C. driver’s license may be suspended. You can order your driving record to:

• Check your driver’s license status.
• View your traffic offenses.
• Keep track of your driving record points.

WASHINGTON DC SUSPENSION HEARINGS & APPEALS

APPEALING A SUSPENSION:

If you wish to contest a traffic violation that may lead to license suspension or revocation, your request must be received within 60 days of the date of the ticket.

To schedule a hearing by mail for a traffic violation, check the box marked “deny” on the back of ticket and return it with your written hearing request to:

DMV Hearing Request

PO Box 37135

Washington, DC 20013

You may also appear in person to request a hearing on a traffic violation by reporting to Adjudication Services, Scheduling Unit, Monday through Friday, 8:15 am to 4 pm. You may also call (202) 289-2230 or toll free (866) 893-5023 to schedule a hearing.

It is also a good idea to seek the advice of a traffic ticket lawyer or a DUI-DWI lawyer, depending on the reason for the proposed suspension.

REQUEST A HEARING:

If you want to contest your suspended driver’s license, you may be able to request a Washington DC administrative hearing. If you are a resident of Washington DC, you must request a hearing within 5 days after your arrests/notice of suspension. If you are not a Washington DC resident, you must request a hearing within 10 days.

NOTE: Washington DC DMV administrative hearings have no effect on court decisions.

To request a DMV hearing, you need: A copy of your driver’s license, your suspension notice, and any supporting documents. Submit your request in person at the D.C. DMV Adjudication Services,

located at:

301 C Street

NW Washington

D.C. 20001

Or by mail to:

Driver Improvement Office

PO Box 90120

Washington, D.C. 20090

APPEAL A HEARING DECISION:

If you wish to appeal the result of your administrative hearing, you must do so within 15 days of the decision. To file an appeal, download and complete the Appeals Application (Form DMV-ADS-003). Submit your request and payment to the address on the form.

REINSTATE YOUR WASHINGTON DC DRIVER’S LICENSE

You must apply to have your license reinstated either in person or by mail. To schedule a hearing in person, visit your local Driver Improvement Office. To apply by mail, write to:

DMV Driver Improvement Office

Po Box 91980

Washington, DC 20090

Do not drive until you have completed the necessary steps and received a valid replacement license from the Washington DC DMV.

TO REINSTATE YOUR SUSPENDED DRIVER’S LICENSE:

• File an SR22/proof of insurance, if necessary.
• Complete an alcohol education program or driver improvement course, if applicable.
• Submit any necessary clearance documents.
• Retake and pass the driving skills and knowledge tests.
• Pay a reinstatement and licensing fee. (See “Fees to Reinstate Your Suspended License” below)

TO REINSTATE YOUR REVOKED DRIVER’S LICENSE:

• Request a reinstatement hearing by completing a Reinstatement Hearing Application (Form DMN-DIO-RHA-002).
• Pass the driving skills and knowledge tests.
• Apply for a new driver’s license.
• Pay a reinstatement fee. (See “Fees to Reinstate Your Suspended License” below)

OBTAIN A TEMPORARY RESTRICTED LICENSE:

Depending on the circumstances of your suspension, you may be eligible for a Restricted Washington DC Driver’s License, which allows you to drive to and from authorized locations. To request a restricted limited occupational license in Washington DC, follow the Instructions for Obtaining a Limited Occupational License.

The DMV will mail you a decision after receiving your request. If you are approved, you’ll need to pay:

• A reinstatement fee.
• A license renewal/duplicate fee. (See “Fees to Reinstate Your Suspended License” below)

FEES FOR REINSTATING SUSPENDED LICENSES IN WASHINGTON DC

Reinstating a suspended or revoked Washington DC license can be an expensive process. Here is a list of general fees you must pay for license reinstatement.

• Reinstatement: $98.
• Driving/knowledge test: $10 each.
• Duplicate driver’s license: $20.

You can pay your reinstatement fees:

• Online on the Washington DC Website: Credit card only.
• In person at your local Washington DC DMV office: check, money order, or credit card.

NOTE: Reinstatement fees cannot be paid with cash.

COMMERCIAL DRIVER LICENSE (CDL) SUSPENSIONS IN WASHINGTON DC

CDL’s are suspended more easily than standard licenses. This is because commercial drivers are held to very high standards. Your Washington DC commercial drivers license (CDL) can be suspended whether you violate traffic laws or commit crimes in Washington DC or out of state. Additionally, your CDL may be disqualified for violations committed in both commercial and non-commercial vehicles. Depending on your offense, you may face both state and federal suspensions and charges.

Your CDL disqualification duration and reinstatement requirements will vary depending on your offense and whether or not your non-commercial driving privileges have also been suspended. If you were convicted of a crime, you may also face court penalties and fines in addition to your Washington, D.C. DMV disqualification. Your driving privileges are subject to state and federal regulations, including suspensions of:

• Reckless driving and speeding.
• Violating out-of-service orders.
• Driving without a CDL in your possession.
• Driving without the proper CDL endorsements.
• 1 year for a 1st violation of a major offense, such as:
  • Driving Under the Influence (BAC of 0.04% or higher) of alcohol or drugs.
  • BAC test refusal.
  • Committing a hit and run, or leaving an accident scene.
  • Commit a felony in your commercial vehicle.
• 3 years for a 1st violation for Major Offense while transporting hazardous materials.
• A lifetime for a 2nd violation of a Major Offense.
• 60 to 120 days if you commit multiple traffic violations within 3 years.
• 60 to 120 days for violating Railroad Highway Grade Crossing Rules.

Additionally, you must notify your employer within 30 days of any conviction for a traffic offense and by the end of the next business day after you receive a disqualification notice. For more information about CDL suspensions and penalties, visit the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration website and refer to your disqualification notice or contact the Washington, D.C. DMV by phone: (202) 737-4404, TTY (for hearing impaired) 711 or e-mail: dmv@dc.gov.

CHECK YOUR COMMERCIAL DRIVER’S LICENSE STATUS

Convictions, license suspensions, and revocations will show up on your 3-year and 5-year driving records. You may be able to dismiss traffic tickets and remove points from your driving record by completing an online defensive driving course. Because your driving record can affect your auto insurance rates and even your employment, it’s crucial that you make sure your information is accurate.

If you accumulate too many driving record points, your non-commercial driving privileges will be suspended as well. The Washington, D.C. DMV will suspended your driving privileges for 90 days if you accumulate 10-11 points and revoke your driving privileges for at least 6 months if you accumulate 12 points or more.

WASHINGTON DC CDL SUSPENSION HEARINGS & APPEALS

Depending on the reason for your CDL disqualification/suspension, you may be able to request a WA, D.C. administrative hearing to contest the suspension. If you are unhappy with the hearing result, you may appeal the decision.

REINSTATE YOUR CDL 

Your commercial driver’s license reinstatement requirements will depend on the circumstances of your offense and whether your non-commercial driving privileges are also suspended or revoked.

Suspended CDL: To reinstate a disqualified/suspended CDL, you may need to:

• Complete an alcohol education program or driver improvement course, if applicable.
• Submit any necessary clearance documents.
• Retake and pass the commercial driving skills and knowledge tests.
• Pay a reinstatement and licensing fee. (See “Fees to Reinstate Your CDL in Washington DC” below.)

Revoked CDL: If your commercial driving privileges were revoked, you’ll need to:

• Request a reinstatement hearing by completing a Reinstatement Hearing Application (Form DMN-DIO-RHA-002).
• Pass the commercial driving skills and knowledge tests.
• Apply for a new CDL.
• Pay a reinstatement fee. (See “Fees to Reinstate Your CDL in Washington DC” below.)

FEES TO REINSTATE YOUR CDL

Your CDL reinstatement fees will vary depending on the circumstances of your disqualification/ suspension. Below are general D.C. DMV commercial driver’s license fees that may apply:

• Reinstatement: $98.
• CDL driving skills and knowledge test: $10 each.
• CDL fee: $117.
• CDL downgrade: $20.

NOTE: If you were convicted of a crime, you may also face court fines. For specific fee information relating to your CDL suspension, refer to your disqualification notice or contact the D.C. DMV office nearest you. You can pay your reinstatement fees: Online on the WA, D.C. website or in person at your local Washington, D.C. DMV office.

Acceptable Forms of Payment: The Washington, D.C. Department of Motor Vehicles accepts the following forms of payment for CDL reinstatements.

• In person: Cash, check, money order, VISA, MasterCard, or Discover credit card.
• Online: Credit card only.

NOTE: Reinstatement fees cannot be paid with cash.