Driver's License Suspension And Revocation In Georgia
Most Georgia drivers have received minor traffic tickets or fines at some point. This is one way the Georgia government works to deter careless driving and make our roads a little safer. If tickets and fines aren't enough to deter bad driving, the DDS will suspend or permanently revoke repeat offenders' licenses. Making too many minor errors in a short period, or making one major error after a lifetime of spotless driving, can revoke your license.Losing Your Driving Privileges
Georgia considers dangerous, negligent, or incompetent drivers a threat to public safety. Driving is a privilege that can be revoked if you abuse it! You can lose your driving privileges in three ways.Cancellation
If you fail to provide the required or correct information in your application or are otherwise ineligible, the Department of Driver Services has the authority to cancel your driver's license. You may reapply once you have met all of the requirements.Suspension
When dealing with negligent drivers, the Georgia DDS frequently suspends licenses. A suspension is simply a temporary loss of your driving privileges. It occurs when you accumulate many points on your driver's license in a short period. A hearing officer will be assigned to your case, and the length of your suspension will be determined based on your previous driving behavior and the severity of your violations. Suspensions are typically for several months.Revocation
The Georgia DDS considers license revocation a more serious punishment; a single major driving offense, such as any DUI-related conviction, can result in immediate and permanent license revocation. When your revocation period expires, your driver's license will be completely invalidated, and you will have to start the process all over again to obtain a new one. A revoked license is permanent on your record and can seriously harm your reputation in various ways.Reasons For License Suspension
Your Georgia driver's license could be suspended for a variety of reasons. Some are related to specific driving violations, while others may result from other state law violations. Some of the most common reasons for a Georgia driver's license suspension or revocation are as follows.Excessive Moving Violations
Georgia uses a point system where drivers accrue points on their license for each moving violation they commit. If you accumulate 15 or more points on your current driver record in 2 years, your license will be suspended. If your driver's license is suspended due to point accumulation, you must complete a DDS-approved defensive driving course before it can be reinstated. Your driver's license will be suspended until you complete an approved defensive driving course.Driving Under the Influence
If you are found guilty of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, your Georgia driver's license will be suspended. The severity of the violation determines the suspension period and whether it is a first or repeat offense. Your license may be suspended for up to a year if you refuse to take a blood/alcohol test.Driving with a Suspended License or No License
Driving while your license is suspended will lengthen the suspension, and you may be imprisoned for up to 5 years. The reason for the underlying suspension determines the length of the additional suspension. If you do not have your driver's license while driving, your license may be suspended. Driving with a suspended, revoked, or canceled license will result in a 6-month suspension.Driving without Insurance/ Registration
All motor vehicles driven in Georgia must be properly insured and registered. If you do not provide proof of valid auto insurance, your license will be suspended for 60 or 90 days.Other Violations Relating to Driving
If you engage in reckless driving, racing, are found to be at fault in a fatal accident, or abandon your vehicle on a public highway, your Georgia driver's license may be suspended.Physical or Psychological Disqualification
The Department of Driver Services Chief Administrator can order a re-examination of anyone who may be unfit to drive. A person's driving privileges may be suspended if a re-examination reveals that they are physically or psychologically incapable of driving safely.Non-Driving Reasons for License Suspension
Your license may be suspended for a variety of non-driving violations or issues. These include failing to respond to a Department of Driver Services notice or failing to appear in court; failing to pay traffic tickets, fines, or surcharges; committing felony forgery of a license or ID, using or applying for a driver's license fraudulently, and failing to pay child support.Reasons For License Revocation
- If you have a mental, physical, or medical condition that prevents you from driving safely, you are addicted to alcohol or drugs.
- If you refuse to retake another driving test or written exam after being instructed by the DDS.
- If you are designated a Habitual Violator (receive a third conviction within five years for a violation that carries a mandatory suspension), your license will be revoked.
- If you have three license suspensions in five years, your license will be permanently revoked, and you will be labeled as a habitual violator. If you are deemed unfit to drive due to a medical condition, or if you refuse to take a written or driving test when requested by the DDS, your license will be revoked.
Georgia Hardship License
Suppose your license has been revoked or suspended due to traffic or a DUI offense for an extended period. In that case, you may be eligible for a temporary hardship license, also known as a limited permit. Such permits may allow drivers to drive only to and from work, school, or medical treatment. A hardship license is an excellent way to get around while waiting for your official license reinstatement. If this is your first DUI conviction or your first or second suspension for points on your driver's license, you are eligible for a limited permit. Some people may be eligible if they meet certain additional requirements, such as demonstrating that not having a driver's license causes undue hardship. It should be noted that convicted drivers under 21 are not eligible for a hardship license. A limited driving permit, also known as a hardship license, allows drivers with suspended Georgia driver's licenses to drive with limited privileges. You can drive to and from the following locations with a hardship license:- Your job (or to locations you must visit to perform your job duties).
- Your school (must be currently enrolled).
- Medical appointments.
- Alcohol and drug treatment programs.
- Defensive driving or DUI classes.