REASONS FOR DRIVER’S LICENSE SUSPENSIONS IN VIRGINIA

There are a variety of reasons why your Virginia 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 Virginia driver’s license to be suspended or revoked:

• Excessive Moving Violations: The state of Virginia operates on a point system in which drivers accumulate points on their license for every moving violation they commit. If you accumulate 12 or more points on your current driver record in a 12-month period (or 18 points in a 24 month period), you must enroll in, and satisfactorily complete, a driver improvement clinic within 90 days or your license will be suspended. If you accumulate 18 or more points on your current driver record in a 12-month period (or 24 points in a 24 month period) your driving privilege will be suspended for 90 days and you must complete a driver improvement clinic. Once your privilege is restored you will be placed on 6 months probation.
• Excessive Moving Violations: If you are under 18 years old, your license will be suspended if you don’t complete a required driver improvement clinic within 90 days after receiving a demerit point. Your license will be reinstated once you’ve completed the clinic; for 90 days after receiving your 2nd point; for 1 year or until you turn 18 years old, whichever is longer, after receiving your 3rd point. If you are 18 years old and above, your license will be suspended for 90 days if you accumulate 18 points in 12 months or 12 points in 24 months.
• Driving Under the Influence: Your Virginia driver’s license will be revoked 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 lead to an increase in the length of the suspension, and you may also be imprisoned.
• Driving without Insurance: All motor vehicles driven in Virginia must be properly insured. Failure to provide proof of valid auto insurance can result in your license being suspended.
• Providing False Information: Providing false information when applying for a Virginia driving license, using someone else’s driving license or allowing another person to use your driving license will result in a 90 day license suspension. Taking a driver’s license examination for another person or appearing for another person to renew a driver’s license will result in your license being revoked for 10 years.
• 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.
• Other Driving-Related Violations: Your Virginia 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.
• Non-Driving Reasons for License Suspension: A variety of non-driving violations or issues can result in your license being suspended. These include committing a drug offense, regardless of whether or not a motor vehicle is involved; failing to pay traffic tickets, fines or surcharges; and not paying child support.

For specific details about your driver license suspension, including the duration, complete a Compliance Summary Request on the Virginia DMV website. You’ll need to enter your Driver’s License Number or Social Security Number and date of birth.

ACTIONS TO TAKE IF YOUR VIRGINIA DRIVER’S LICENSE IS SUSPENDED

• If you believe your license may be suspended due to one of the reasons listed above it is advisable 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, the length of your suspension may be increased.
• Check Your Driver License Status: The number of years your traffic violations, convictions, suspensions, and revocations will remain on your Virginia driving record depends on the offense. Most offenses that result in the suspension or revocation of your driver’s license will remain on your driving record for at least 11 years. Traffic violations and convictions committed in a commercial vehicle will stay on your driving record permanently.

You can order your driving record to check the status of your driver’s license and review your demerit points.

VIRGINIA SUSPENSION HEARINGS & APPEALS

If your Virginia driver’s license was suspended for violating an insurance law, you can request an administrative hearing by completing the Virginia DMV’s online form. You’ll need to enter: Your full name, driver’s license number, mailing address, and information about your suspension.

DUI/DWI Suspensions and Revocations:

Virginia DUI penalties vary by the number of DUI convictions you have. For DUI offenses/breath test refusals, the Virginia DMV can suspend your license under the Administrative License Suspension (ALS) for 7 to 60 days depending on how many offenses you’ve had. If you have a court trial, your license may be reinstated earlier. You may also face additional fines, suspensions, and penalties from the court.

For more information about DUI/DWI in Virginia, visit our DUI & DWI in Virginia page.

To reinstate your driver’s license, you’ll need to satisfy all of the requirements of your court revocation, including:

• Completing an Alcohol Safety Action Program (VASAP).
• Installing an Ignition Interlock Device on your primary vehicle, or every vehicle you own if you have multiple DUI convictions.

For more information about DUI convictions in Virginia, please refer to the Virginia DMV DUI information document.

Habitual Traffic Offenders:

If you have been declared as a habitual offender and you drive while your driver’s license is revoked, you may be sentenced up to 90 days in jail or up to 5 years in prison, and be fined up to $2,500. To reinstate your driver’s license in Virginia, you’ll need to:

• Satisfy all of your revocation requirements.
• Petition the court for a hearing to reinstate your driving privileges.

For more information about reinstating your revoked VA driver’s license if you’re a habitual offender, visit the VA DMV website.

Appeal Your Hearing Decision:

If you receive a suspension notice from the DMV, and you wish to challenge the suspension, you may request a hearing in court. Drivers whose license was suspended due to accumulating excessive points may be eligible to enroll in a Driver Improvement Clinic. You may be awarded 5 safe driving points after completing a Driver Improvement Clinic and in some cases this can enable an individual to avoid having his license suspended.

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

RESTRICTED AND TEMPORARY LICENSE

If your license was suspended by the Virginia DMV for violating the requirements of your driver improvement program, you may be eligible for a restricted license if:

• It was your 1st probation violation; 
or
• It was your 2nd probation violation and there was an 18-month control period before your probation.

If eligible, you can use a restricted license to drive to and from authorized locations, such as: work, school, health care centers, your child’s school or daycare.

You’ll need to:

• Petition the court, if you had a court-ordered suspension for convictions including: DUI, reckless and aggressive driving, or drug convictions.
• Provide documents that justify your need for a restricted driver’s license, including: court orders, a letter from your school or employer, a letter from your doctor.

If the court approves your restricted license request, you may need to visit your local VA DMV with any required documents, your court documents, and your reinstatement fees.

Contact or visit your local Virginia DMV office for information on obtaining a restricted license.

REINSTATE YOUR VIRGINIA DRIVER’S LICENSE

The details of your driver’s license suspension will vary depending on your offense. To view specific details, complete the online Compliance Summary Request on the Virginia DMV website. You’ll need to log into the system using your Drivers License Number or Social Security Number (SSN) and date of birth. To reinstate your Virginia suspended drivers license you may need to provide:

• Proof of payment for your court fines, if applicable.
• An SR22 certificate of insurance from your insurance company.
• Proof you have completed a driving improvement clinic.
• Proof you have completed an Alcohol Safety Action Program (VASAP).
• Payment for your licensing fee, if applicable.
• Payment for your reinstatement fee. (See “Fees to Reinstate Your VA License” below)
• You may pay your fees: Online, by calling: (804) 497-7100 or (800) 272-9268 for TTY, or by mailing your payment to:

Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles

P.O. Box 27412

Richmond, VA 23269

You may also need to visit your local Virginia DMV office and:

• Provide identification, your address, and legal presence
• Pass a knowledge and driving skills test.

NOTE: Once you’ve satisfied your reinstatement requirements and paid your fees, the VA DMV will give you a clearance letter that confirms your driver license has been reinstated.

FEES FOR REINSTATING YOUR VIRGINIA DRIVER’S LICENSE

Virginia driver license reinstatement fees vary depending on the offense.

• $145 for offenses including: Failing to pay court fines, Insurance violations. Railroad crossing violations.
• $175 for offenses including: Failing to complete a driver improvement program. Driving with a suspended/revoked license. Felonies involving a vehicle.
• $220 for offenses including: A DUI or driving under the influence of drugs. Vehicular manslaughter. Commercial vehicle convictions involving alcohol.

For a complete list of reinstatement fees for different offenses, please refer to the Virginia DMV website.

If you have multiple suspension/revocation orders on your Virginia driver’s license, you will be charged an extra $5 for each order.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles accepts the following forms of payment to reinstate your suspended license: Online: E-check or credit card. By mail: Check or money order. By phone: Credit card. In person: Cash, check, money order, or credit card.

COMMERCIAL DRIVER LICENSE (CDL) SUSPENSIONS IN VIRGINIA

CDL’s are suspended more easily than standard licenses. This is because commercial drivers are held to very high standards. Your Virginia commercial drivers license (CDL) can be suspended whether you violate traffic laws or commit crimes in Virginia 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:

STATE PENALTIES:

The Virginia DMV will suspend your CDL for:

• 1 to 3 years, for violations including:
  • Operate a commercial vehicle in Virginia with a BAC of 0.04% or higher.
  • Test positive for driving under the influence of drugs.
  • Refuse a blood/breath blood alcohol concentration (BAC) test.
  • Falsifying information to the VA DMV.
  • Using a commercial vehicle in a felony.
• Life, for a 2nd violation of any of the above offenses, or if you are convicted of manufacturing or distributing illegal drugs.
• 60 to 120 days if you’re convicted of 2 violations or more within 3 years and are deemed “serious violations,” including:
  • Texting and driving.
  • Following too closely.
  • Reckless driving/erratic lane changes.
  • Driving a commercial vehicle without a CDL, or driving without your CDL with you.
  • Driving without the proper endorsements.

ADDITIONAL FEDERAL PENALTIES:

In addition to Virginia state laws, you are also subject to federal regulations controlled by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), which include:

• Disqualifications and fines for violating out-of-service orders.
• Suspensions and disqualifications ranging from 60 days to life for violations and convictions including:
  • Railroad-highway grade crossing violations.
  • Reckless driving and excessive.
  • DUI/DWI convictions and offenses.
  • Leaving the scene of an accident you are involved in.

You must notify your employer within 30 days of any traffic conviction. In addition to any VA DMV requirements, you may also need to satisfy court requirements for criminal convictions such as heavy fines and jail time. For more information on federal regulations and penalties, please see the FMCSA website.

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.

CDL DRIVING RECORD POINTS

You can also receive a CDL suspension for accumulating too many driving record points. Your CDL will be suspended for 90 days if you accumulate 18 points in 12 months or 24 points in 24 months. After your suspension, you will be placed on a 6-month probation. If you are under 20 years old and receive any moving violations, you must pass the commercial driving and knowledge exams again when you renew your CDL. Most commercial driver license violations, disqualifications, and revocations will remain on your Virginia DMV driving record permanently.

NOTE: Some violations may also require you to attend a commercial driver’s license improvement clinic.

OBTAIN A RESTRICTED LICENSE IN VIRGINIA

In Virginia, you may be able to request a restricted driver’s license to use while your CDL is suspended. A restricted driver’s license can be used to drive a non-commercial vehicle to and from authorized locations only. You cannot operate a commercial vehicle with a restricted license.

To obtain a restricted driver’s license, you’ll need to provide documents that justify your need for a restricted license, which may include a court order or letters from your school, employer, or doctor. You must also gain approval from the court, if you received a court-ordered suspension. If the court approves your restricted license request, you may need to visit your local VA DMV office with your required documents, court documents and reinstatement fees.

If your CDL was suspended by the Virginia DMV for violating your driver improvement probation period, you may be eligible for a restricted license if it was your 1st probation violation or if it was your 2nd probation violation and there was an 18-month control period before your probation. Contact or visit your local Virginia DMV for more information about obtaining a restricted driver’s license.

REINSTATE YOUR VIRGINIA CDL 

Your CDL reinstatement requirements will vary depending on the reason for your suspension. To reinstate your CDL, you may need to:

• Pay any applicable court fines.
• Provide an SR22 certificate of insurance from your insurance company, if necessary.
• Complete a commercial driver improvement clinic.
• Complete an Alcohol Safety Action Program (VASAP), for alcohol-related offenses.
• Pay your CDL licensing fee.
• Pay your reinstatement fee. (See “Fees to Reinstate Your VA CDL” below.)

You may also need to visit your local Virginia DMV office and:

• Provide identification, address and legal presence
• Pass a commercial driver knowledge test and driving skills test.

Once you’ve satisfied your reinstatement requirements and paid your fees, the VA DMV will provide you with a clearance letter that confirms your CDL reinstatement. For specific details your CDL suspension, complete a Compliance Summary Request on the Virginia DMV website. You’ll need to enter your driver’s license number or Social Security number (SSN) and date of birth.

FEES TO REINSTATE YOUR VIRGINIA CDL

Fees to reinstate your Virginia commercial driver’s license will vary depending on your offense.

Licensing Fees: $24 to $64.

Reinstatement Fees:

• $145 for offenses including: Out-of-service violations, any drug violation, and Railroad crossing violations.
• $175 for offenses including: Reckless driving, driving with a disqualified, suspended, revoked license and felonies involving a vehicle.
• $220 for offenses including: DUI or driving under the influence of drugs, vehicular manslaughter, and any vehicle-related convictions/offenses involving alcohol or drugs.

If you have multiple disqualifications/revocation orders on your commercial driver’s license, you will be charged an extra $5 for each subsequent order.

The Virginia DMV provides a complete list of offenses associated with the reinstatement fees above. Your reinstatement and suspension fees may vary depending on your specific circumstances. For details about your suspension, obtain a compliance summary on the Virginia DMV website.

Accepted Payment Methods:

• Online through the Virginia DMV Now website.
• By mail: Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles, P.O. Box 27412, Richmond, VA 23269
• By calling: (804) 497-7100 or (800) 272-9268 for TTY.
• In person at your local Virginia DMV office.

The Virginia DMV accepts the following forms of payment for reinstatement fees:

• Online: E-check or credit card.
• By mail: Check or money order.
• By phone: Credit card.
• In person: Cash, check, money order, or credit card.