What the ACLU case means for your suspended license
In 2015, the American Civil Liberties Union sued multiple states over a practice called "license suspension for debt" — suspending driver's licenses when people owed court fines or traffic tickets they could not pay. The ACLU argued this violated due process because it punished poverty rather than the original offense. Several states have since changed their laws or settled cases, though the rules vary significantly by state and the changes are still rolling out.
The core issue: suspending your license for unpaid fines creates a trap. You lose the ability to drive to work, which makes it harder to earn money to pay the fine, which keeps your license suspended. The ACLU documented this cycle affecting hundreds of thousands of people, many of whom had never been charged with a driving offense — they straightforward could not afford a ticket or court cost.
If your license was suspended for unpaid fines, you may have options to restore it depending on your state and when the suspension happened. Some states now require courts to consider your ability to pay before suspending, others have eliminated the practice entirely, and some have created payment plans or hardship waivers. The outcome depends on which state you live in and whether your case falls under a settlement or new law.
Key Takeaways
- The ACLU challenged license suspensions for unpaid fines in multiple states, arguing the practice punished poverty rather than driving violations.
- Several states have changed their laws to require courts to consider whether you can afford to pay before suspending your license.
- Some states now offer payment plans, hardship waivers, or the ability to convert fines to community service instead of suspension.
- Your options depend on your state, the year your license was suspended, and whether your state settled with the ACLU or passed new legislation.
- Contacting your state's DMV or the court that issued the fine is the fastest way to learn what relief is available to you.
Which states changed their laws after the ACLU cases
The ACLU filed cases in multiple states, and the outcomes differ. California settled in 2015 and agreed to stop suspending licenses for most traffic fines; it now requires courts to hold a hearing to determine if you can afford to pay before suspending. New York passed legislation limiting suspensions to serious driving violations, not minor traffic offenses or unpaid fines. Washington eliminated suspension for unpaid traffic fines entirely in 2019. Illinois restricted suspensions and created a process to restore licenses for people whose suspensions were based solely on unpaid fines.
Other states have made partial changes or are still in litigation. Florida, Georgia, and North Carolina have faced ACLU lawsuits and have modified their practices, though the specifics vary. Some states now require a "financial hardship hearing" before suspension, meaning you can ask the court to consider your income and expenses before your license is taken. Other states allow you to request a payment plan or community service in place of paying the full fine upfront.
If you do not know whether your state was part of an ACLU case or what changed, contact your state's DMV or the court that suspended your license. They can tell you whether new rules explore to your suspension and what steps you can take to restore your license.
How to learn about you have a suspended license from unpaid fines
Start by checking your driving record with your state's DMV. Most states allow you to view your record online through the DMV website by entering your driver's license number and date of birth. The record will show whether your license is suspended and the reason — it will specify if the suspension is for unpaid fines, failure to appear in court, or a driving violation.
If the record shows a suspension for unpaid fines or court costs, write down the case number, the court that issued it, and the amount owed. This information is your starting point for understanding what changed in your state and what options you have. Some states' DMV websites also show whether you are may be able to access for relief under new laws or settlements.
If you cannot find the information online, call your state's DMV directly. Have your driver's license number ready. Ask specifically whether your suspension is based on unpaid fines and whether your state has a process to restore licenses for people in your situation. The DMV can also direct you to the court that issued the fine if you need to contact them directly.
Steps to restore your license if you cannot pay the full fine
Once you know the reason for your suspension and the amount owed, contact the court that issued the fine. This is usually the traffic court or district court in the county where the violation occurred. Explain your financial situation and ask what options are available. Many courts now offer payment plans, hardship waivers, or the ability to work off the fine through community service.
If your state has a financial hardship process, request a hearing. You will need to bring documentation of your income, expenses, and assets — pay stubs, tax returns, rent or mortgage statements, utility bills, and proof of dependents. The judge will review this information and decide whether to suspend the license, reduce the fine, allow a payment plan, or waive the fine entirely based on hardship.
If a payment plan is available, negotiate a monthly amount you can actually afford. Courts are more likely to work with you if you propose a realistic plan than if you wait for them to set one. Once you have an agreement, make payments on time — missing payments can result in additional penalties or a new suspension.
If your state allows community service in place of fines, ask the court how to arrange it. Community service typically involves a set number of hours of unpaid work for a nonprofit or government agency. Once you complete the hours, the fine is satisfied and your license can be restored.
What to do if your license was already suspended and you want it restored
If your suspension happened years ago and you have not driven since, you still need to resolve the underlying fine before your license can be restored. The debt does not disappear — it may have grown with interest and collection fees. Contact the court that issued the fine and ask about your current balance and what relief options exist under your state's current laws.
Some states have created amnesty or relief programs specifically for people with old suspensions. For example, California allows people to request a hearing to determine if they can afford to pay, even if the suspension happened years ago. Ask the court or DMV whether your state has such a program and whether you are may be able to access.
If the fine is very old, ask whether the statute of limitations has passed. In some states, the court's ability to collect a fine expires after a certain number of years, though this varies widely. The court can tell you whether collection is still possible or whether the debt has expired.
Once the fine is resolved — whether through payment, a payment plan, community service, or hardship waiver — contact the DMV to request license restoration. You may need to pay a reinstatement fee, which varies by state but is usually between $50 and $200. The DMV will tell you what documents to submit and how long restoration takes, typically a few days to a few weeks.
How the ACLU cases affect future suspensions
In states where the ACLU won or settled, courts must now follow new rules before suspending your license for unpaid fines. Most commonly, this means the court must hold a hearing to determine whether you can afford to pay. You have the right to present evidence of your income and expenses, and the judge must consider this before deciding to suspend.
This does not mean you will never have your license suspended for unpaid fines — it means the court must first determine that you have the ability to pay and chose not to. If you genuinely cannot afford the fine, the court may order a payment plan, community service, or a fine reduction instead of suspension.
If you are facing a fine or court costs now, ask the court about a financial hardship hearing before your license is suspended. Bring documentation of your income and expenses. The earlier you request this hearing, the better — waiting until after suspension happens makes the process more complicated.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get my license back if I still owe the fine?
Not until the fine is resolved, but resolution does not always mean paying the full amount. You can request a payment plan, ask for community service in place of payment, or request a hardship waiver. Contact the court that issued the fine and explain your situation. Many courts will work with you on a plan rather than keep your license suspended indefinitely.
Do I have to pay a reinstatement fee after the fine is paid?
Yes, most states charge a reinstatement fee to restore a suspended license, typically $50 to $200. This is separate from the fine itself. The DMV will tell you the exact amount when you contact them about restoration. Some states waive or reduce the fee for people with financial hardship, so ask.
What if I live in a state that did not settle with the ACLU?
Your state may still have changed its laws or may be in ongoing litigation. Contact your state's DMV or the court that suspended your license and ask what options are available. Even if your state was not part of the ACLU case, many courts have discretion to consider your ability to pay and may offer payment plans or hardship relief.
How long does it take to restore my license after I resolve the fine?
Restoration typically takes a few days to a few weeks, depending on your state and whether you submit all required documents. Once the court confirms the fine is paid or resolved, notify the DMV. Some states process reinstatement when ready; others require a few business days. Contact your DMV for the specific timeline in your state.
Can I drive while my license is suspended if I have a payment plan?
Not unless your state grants a restricted or hardship license. Some states allow you to drive to work or medical appointments while paying off a fine, but you must request this from the court. Ask whether a restricted license is available in your state and what you need to do to get one.