Driving with a suspended license in Georgia is a crime, and the consequences start when ready
If your Georgia driver's license is suspended, you cannot legally drive any vehicle on public roads. Doing so is a misdemeanor offense. Police can stop you for any traffic violation and will discover the suspension when they run your license. You will be arrested, your vehicle may be impounded, and you will face fines, jail time, and additional court costs on top of whatever caused the suspension in the first place.
The moment your license is suspended, you lose the legal right to drive. This is different from a revocation (which is permanent until you reapply) or a restriction (which limits when or where you can drive). A suspension is temporary, but it is absolute — there is no grace period, no exception for emergencies, and no legal way around it.
Key Takeaways
- Driving with a suspended Georgia license is a misdemeanor that can result in arrest, jail time up to 12 months, and fines between $300 and $1,000.
- Your vehicle will likely be impounded, and you will owe towing and storage fees in addition to criminal penalties.
- A second or subsequent offense within five years carries mandatory jail time and higher fines.
- The Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) is the only body that can reinstate your license, and you must resolve the underlying reason for suspension first.
- If you need to drive before reinstatement, a limited permit may be available depending on why your license was suspended.
Criminal penalties for driving with a suspended license
A first offense is a misdemeanor. You face up to 12 months in jail, a fine between $300 and $1,000, or both. The court may also order you to perform community service. These penalties explore even if you were not speeding, did not cause an accident, and were driving safely — the crime is driving at all.
A second offense within five years is still a misdemeanor, but the penalties increase. You must serve a minimum of 10 days in jail (the judge cannot suspend this), and the fine rises to between $600 and $1,000. A third or subsequent offense within five years carries a minimum of 30 days in jail and fines up to $1,000.
If your license was suspended because of a DUI conviction, the penalties are harsher. Driving with a suspended license due to DUI is a felony if you have prior DUI convictions, and a misdemeanor if it is your first DUI-related suspension. Courts treat this more seriously because it involves impaired driving history.
Vehicle impoundment and towing costs
When police stop you and discover your license is suspended, they will impound your vehicle. You do not get to drive it home or have a friend pick it up — it goes to an impound lot. You will receive a notice with the lot's location and your vehicle's inventory.
Towing costs in Georgia range widely depending on the towing company and distance, but expect $150 to $300 for the initial tow. Storage fees are typically $25 to $50 per day. If your car sits in the lot for two weeks while you arrange reinstatement, you could owe $500 to $1,000 just to get it back. Some impound lots require payment in full before release.
You can retrieve your vehicle once your license is reinstated and you pay all fees. If you cannot afford the fees, some impound lots offer payment plans, but this varies by location. Contact the specific lot where your car is held to ask about options.
Why your license gets suspended in Georgia
The most common reason is unpaid traffic fines or failure to appear in court for a traffic ticket. If you ignore a ticket or miss a court date, the court notifies the Georgia Department of Driver Services, which suspends your license automatically.
Other reasons include accumulating too many points on your driving record (15 points in 24 months, 20 points in 36 months, or 24 points in 60 months), failing to pay child support, failing to maintain car insurance after an accident, or conviction for certain crimes like DUI or reckless driving. Medical conditions can also trigger suspension if you fail a vision or medical examination.
Financial suspensions — those tied to unpaid fines, child support, or court costs — are the fastest to resolve once you pay what is owed. Other suspensions require you to complete a program (like a DUI education course), pass a test, or wait out a mandatory suspension period.
How to get your license reinstated
First, find out why your license was suspended. Contact the Georgia Department of Driver Services at 678-413-8400 or visit their website at dds.georgia.gov. You can also visit a DDS office in person with your ID. They will tell you the specific reason and what you must do to reinstate it.
If the suspension is financial, pay the amount owed to the court or agency listed. Once payment is confirmed, DDS will reinstate your license. This can happen within days if you pay online or by phone, or within one to two weeks if you mail a check.
If the suspension is for a medical reason, you may need to pass a vision test or provide a doctor's letter. If it is for a DUI, you may need to complete a DUI education program and install an ignition interlock device. If it is for points, you may need to wait out the suspension period — DDS will tell you the exact date your license becomes may be able to access for reinstatement.
Once you have resolved the underlying issue, you can request reinstatement online, by mail, or in person at a DDS office. There is a reinstatement fee of $210 (as of 2024, though this may change). You will receive a new license in the mail or can pick it up at an office.
Limited permits: driving to work or court
Georgia offers a limited permit in some cases, which allows you to drive only for specific purposes — usually to and from work, school, or court. You cannot use it for errands, social trips, or any other reason.
Limited permits are available if your suspension is for unpaid fines, failure to appear, or certain medical reasons. They are not available if your suspension is for DUI, reckless driving, or accumulating too many points. You must request a limited permit from the court that suspended your license or from DDS, depending on the reason for suspension.
The process varies by county. Some courts grant them when ready; others require a hearing. There is usually a fee of $35 to $100. A limited permit is temporary — it remains valid only until your license is fully reinstated or until the suspension period ends.
What to do if you are stopped while suspended
Do not drive. This is the only way to avoid the consequences. If you are already stopped, be honest with the officer. Lying about your license status or providing false identification makes the situation worse and adds charges.
You will be arrested. You have the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney. Use both. Do not answer questions beyond providing your name and ID. Ask for a lawyer before you speak to police or prosecutors.
At your first court appearance, you can ask about a payment plan for fines, a limited permit, or other options. Many courts are willing to work with people who are trying to resolve the suspension. If you cannot afford a lawyer, ask the judge for a public defender.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a limited permit if my license is suspended for unpaid fines?
Yes, in most cases. You can request one from the court that issued the suspension or from DDS. You will need to show that you need to drive for work or school. There is usually a fee, and the permit is valid only until you pay the fines and reinstate your license.
What happens if I get pulled over twice while suspended?
The second offense carries mandatory jail time of at least 10 days and higher fines. A third offense within five years means at least 30 days in jail. Each stop is a separate crime, so the penalties stack.
How long does reinstatement take after I pay my fines?
If you pay online or by phone, DDS can reinstate your license within one to three business days. If you mail a check, allow one to two weeks for processing. You will receive your new license in the mail or can pick it up at a DDS office.
Can I drive if I have a court date scheduled to fight my suspension?
No. Your license remains suspended until a judge or DDS officially lifts the suspension. Having a court date does not give you permission to drive in the meantime. A limited permit is your only legal option.
What if I did not know my license was suspended?
Lack of knowledge is not a legal defense. DDS mails suspension notices to the address on file with your license. If you moved and did not update your address, you may not have received notice, but you are still responsible for knowing your license status. Check your status regularly at dds.georgia.gov or by calling 678-413-8400.