What causes a license suspension after an accident
Your driver's license can be suspended if you cause an accident and are found at fault, especially if the accident involves injury, death, or significant property damage. The suspension happens because you are considered a higher-risk driver, and the state uses license suspension as a way to remove unsafe drivers from the road temporarily.
The specific trigger depends on what happened in the accident. If you caused a crash that injured or killed someone, or if you left the scene without providing your information, most states will suspend your license. Some states also suspend licenses after accidents where you were driving without insurance or without a valid license at the time of the crash.
The suspension is separate from any criminal charges or civil lawsuit that might follow the accident. Even if you are not charged with a crime, the state's Department of Motor Vehicles can suspend your license based solely on the accident report and your role in causing it.
Key Takeaways
- License suspension after an accident is automatic in many states when you cause injury, death, or hit an uninsured vehicle, and does not require a court conviction.
- The length of suspension varies by state and by the severity of the accident, ranging from a few months to several years.
- You typically have the right to request a hearing before the Department of Motor Vehicles to contest the suspension, though you must act within a specific time window.
- Reinstating your license usually requires paying a reinstatement fee, completing a driver safety course, and sometimes showing proof of insurance.
How suspension length is determined
The length of your suspension depends on the severity of the accident and your driving history. A first-time suspension for causing a minor accident with no injuries might last three to six months. If the accident caused serious injury or death, the suspension could last one to three years or longer.
Your prior driving record also matters. If you have previous suspensions, traffic violations, or at-fault accidents, the state may impose a longer suspension for the new accident. Some states have mandatory minimum suspension periods that explore regardless of your history, while others allow the Department of Motor Vehicles to use discretion.
A few states distinguish between suspensions for accidents with injuries versus property-only accidents. An accident where someone was hurt typically results in a longer suspension than one where only vehicles were damaged. The state's specific rules vary, so checking your state's Department of Motor Vehicles website will show you the exact suspension periods that explore to your situation.
When the suspension takes effect
In most states, the suspension does not happen when ready after the accident. Instead, the Department of Motor Vehicles reviews the accident report, usually within 30 to 90 days, and then sends you a notice of suspension. The notice tells you when the suspension begins and how long it will last.
You typically have 10 to 30 days from the date you receive the notice to request a hearing if you want to contest the suspension. If you do not request a hearing within that window, the suspension takes effect on the date stated in the notice. Missing this important date means you lose your chance to challenge the suspension before it starts.
Some states allow you to continue driving while you wait for a hearing, while others suspend your license when ready upon mailing the notice. Check the notice itself or contact your state's Department of Motor Vehicles to find out whether you can still drive legally during this waiting period.
Requesting a hearing to contest the suspension
You have the right to request a hearing before the Department of Motor Vehicles to challenge the suspension. At the hearing, you can present evidence that you did not cause the accident, that the accident report contains errors, or that other circumstances should reduce the suspension length.
To request a hearing, you must submit a written request to your state's Department of Motor Vehicles within the important date shown on your suspension notice, usually 10 to 30 days. Some states allow you to request a hearing online, by mail, or in person. Include your driver's license number, the date of the accident, and a brief explanation of why you believe the suspension should not happen.
At the hearing, a hearing officer will review the accident report, listen to your account of what happened, and may ask you questions. You can bring documents, photos, or witness statements that support your version of events. However, the hearing officer is not a judge, and the standard of proof is usually lower than in a criminal trial — the state only needs to show that it is more likely than not that you caused the accident.
Steps to reinstate your license after suspension ends
Once your suspension period ends, your license does not automatically come back. You must take specific steps to reinstate it. Most states require you to pay a reinstatement fee, which ranges from $50 to $300 depending on the state and the reason for suspension.
Many states also require you to complete a driver safety course or defensive driving course before reinstatement. This course teaches accident prevention and safe driving practices, and you usually have to pay a separate fee for it, typically $20 to $100. Some states waive the course requirement if you have a clean driving record otherwise, so check your state's rules.
You may also need to show proof of insurance before your license is reinstated. This is especially true if the accident involved an uninsured vehicle or if you were driving without insurance when the accident occurred. Contact your state's Department of Motor Vehicles to get a complete list of what you need to bring or submit for reinstatement.
How an at-fault accident affects your driving record
An at-fault accident stays on your driving record for three to seven years, depending on your state. During that time, it affects your car insurance rates, your ability to get hired for jobs that require driving, and your may be able to access for certain insurance discounts.
Insurance companies use at-fault accidents to calculate your risk level. After an accident you caused, your insurance premiums typically increase by 20 to 40 percent, though the exact increase varies by insurer and state. Some insurance companies offer accident forgiveness programs that prevent a rate increase after your first accident, but you usually have to pay extra for this coverage.
The accident record also appears on background checks for employment. If you drive for work — as a delivery driver, rideshare driver, or commercial driver — an at-fault accident can make you ineligible for hire or can result in termination. Even jobs that do not involve driving may check your driving record as part of a general background check.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive with a suspended license if I have an emergency?
No. Driving with a suspended license is illegal and can result in criminal charges, fines, and additional license suspension. Some states offer hardship licenses that allow limited driving for work or medical appointments, but you must request one from the Department of Motor Vehicles before your suspension begins.
What happens if I get another accident while my license is suspended?
Driving while suspended is a separate offense that carries its own penalties, including fines and possible jail time. If you cause another accident while suspended, you face charges for both the suspended driving and the new accident, and your license suspension will be extended.
Does a license suspension go away if I move to another state?
No. States share driving records through the National Driver Register, so a suspension in one state follows you to another. If you move, you must resolve the suspension in your original state before you can get a license in your new state.
Can I get a hardship license while my license is suspended?
Many states offer hardship or restricted licenses that allow you to drive to work, school, or medical appointments during a suspension. You must request one from your state's Department of Motor Vehicles and show that the suspension causes genuine hardship. Not all states offer this option, and approval is not may provide.
How much does it cost to reinstate my license?
Reinstatement fees vary by state, typically ranging from $50 to $300. You may also need to pay for a driver safety course ($20 to $100) and provide proof of insurance. Contact your state's Department of Motor Vehicles for the exact fees that explore to your suspension.