The Most Common Reasons for License Suspension (2025)

8 Common Reasons for License Suspension

Having your license suspended can be inconvenient and expensive. Understanding what your driver’s license may be suspended for can help you use caution and ensure you keep your driving privileges. Here are eight of the most common reasons:

1. DUI, Reckless Driving and High-Risk Driving Offenses

In many states, accumulating too many traffic infractions in a short period of time can lead to license suspension. Some offenses are significant enough to often warrant immediate suspension, though, including:

• Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
• Reckless driving
• Driving with a license that’s already suspended or revoked
• Street racing

The length of suspension for high-risk offenses depends on jurisdiction, as well as the severity of the offense. For example, with all other things being equal, a license suspension for aggravated DUI will generally be greater than a suspension for a regular DUI.

2. Failing to Appear in Court or Pay Fines

In most jurisdictions, your license can be suspended if you fail to appear in court or fail to pay court-assessed fines or traffic tickets.

If the suspension is for failure to pay, you can typically reinstate it once you’ve paid all outstanding fines. However, because failing to appear in court can lead to an arrest warrant, you’ll likely have to resolve the warrant before you reinstate your license.

3. Using a Fake, Altered or Invalid License

Many people know that getting caught driving with a suspended license will usually result in a longer suspension. But if you’re pulled over and attempt to use a fake or expired license or pass off another person’s license as your own, you may also have your license suspended.

In fact, you can face a suspension even if you aren’t driving when you’re caught with an invalid license. For example, someone trying to use a fake ID to buy alcohol can have their driver’s license suspended in addition to being charged with a crime.

4. Not Paying Child Support or Court-Imposed Fees

In many states, your license can be suspended if you are behind on child support or have ignored your payment obligations. In some cases, you can have your license reinstated if you make and stick to a payment plan to catch up.

Similarly, if you cause an accident and fail to pay your financial obligations to the other driver, some states will suspend your license until you do.

5. Excessive Points on Your Driving Record

Many states use a point system to monitor driving records and determine when a suspension is warranted. Each traffic offense has a set point value, and if you accumulate a certain number of points in a given timeframe, your license will be suspended.

For instance, if you make an illegal turn, cause a rear end collision, and get a speeding ticket in the space of a few months, you might have your license suspended for six months. Some jurisdictions may allow you to attend traffic school to remove points and avoid suspension.

6. License Suspension for Underage Drivers

Underage drivers may have their licenses suspended for truancy or for dropping out of school. Because most states have zero-tolerance laws for underage drinking and driving, an underage driver may also have their license suspended if they’re pulled over and have a BAC greater than zero.

7. Conviction for a Drug Offense

License suspensions after car accidents due to drugs are common. However, in many jurisdictions, your license can be suspended for any drug-related offense — even if you weren’t driving or in a vehicle at the time of your arrest.

8. Driving Without Car Insurance

Car insurance is often very expensive, so some drivers choose to drive without it. If you’re pulled over without insurance, though, your license may be suspended.

In many jurisdictions, driving without insurance is also treated as a criminal offense. This means you may face fines and a license reinstatement fee once the suspension has ended.

You may also be required to purchase SR-22 insurance to reinstate your license. This is a policy where the insurance company must notify the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) if the policy lapses or you terminate it. It’s typically more costly than typical insurance policies.

Facing a License Suspension?

The prospect of a license suspension can be stressful, especially if you rely on your car to get to work, school or other commitments. If you’re at risk of a suspension, you should consult an attorney as soon as possible.

A lawyer may be able to help you avoid suspension or minimize the impact the suspension has on your life. For instance, some jurisdictions may grant you a limited driving privilege during the suspension. This allows you to drive to and from school or work.

If you aren’t sure how to find the right lawyer for you, ConsumerShield can help. We connect consumers like you with nearby lawyers who meet their needs. To get started with a free case review, fill out our contact form today.