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 when they run your license, the suspension shows up when ready. You will be arrested on the spot, your vehicle may be towed, and you will face criminal charges in addition to whatever caused the suspension in the first place.
The penalties depend on how many times you have been caught driving with a suspended license, but even a first offense carries jail time and fines. More importantly, driving on a suspended license creates a new legal problem that makes it harder to get your license back, because Georgia courts will not reinstate a suspended license until you resolve all pending charges and violations.
Understanding why your license was suspended, what you cannot do while it is suspended, and how to get it reinstated are the three things that will actually change your situation. Ignoring the suspension or hoping it goes away will only add charges and delay reinstatement.
Key Takeaways
- Driving with a suspended Georgia license is a misdemeanor; police can arrest you during any traffic stop, and your vehicle will likely be towed.
- A first offense carries up to 12 months in jail and fines up to $1,000, plus a mandatory minimum jail sentence if you have prior convictions.
- Your license will not be reinstated until you pay all fines, complete any court-ordered programs, and resolve the original reason for suspension.
- Georgia allows a limited hardship license for certain suspensions, but you must request it through the court that suspended your license.
- The longer you drive suspended, the more charges accumulate, making reinstatement more expensive and time-consuming.
Why Georgia suspends licenses and what triggers it
Georgia suspends licenses for specific reasons, and the suspension stays in effect until you address that reason. The most common triggers are unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, DUI convictions, accumulating too many points from traffic violations, and failure to maintain car insurance. Some suspensions are automatic — for example, if you get a DUI, your license is suspended when ready, even before trial.
You can find out why your license is suspended by checking your status on the Georgia Department of Driver Services website or by calling their Customer Service Center at 678-413-8400. Have your driver's license number ready. They will tell you the exact reason and what you need to do to clear it. This is the first step, because you cannot fix a problem you do not understand.
Other suspensions come from outside Georgia — for example, if you were suspended in another state and did not resolve it, Georgia will suspend your license too under the Interstate Compact. If you have moved to Georgia from another state, check whether you have any outstanding suspensions from your previous state before you drive.
Criminal penalties for driving suspended in Georgia
A first offense of driving with a suspended license in Georgia is a misdemeanor. You can be sentenced to up to 12 months in jail and fined up to $1,000. You will also have a criminal record, which affects employment, housing, and loan applications. The court may also order you to pay restitution for any damage or costs related to the stop.
If you have been convicted of driving with a suspended license before, the penalties increase. A second offense within five years carries a mandatory minimum of 10 days in jail, and a third offense within five years carries a mandatory minimum of 30 days in jail. The fines also increase with each offense.
In addition to criminal penalties, your vehicle will almost certainly be towed and impounded. You will have to pay towing and storage fees to get it back — typically $150 to $300 for towing plus $25 to $50 per day for storage. These fees add up quickly and must be paid before you can retrieve your vehicle, even if the criminal charges are later dismissed.
How a hardship license works in Georgia
Georgia allows a limited hardship license for certain types of suspensions, but only if you request it through the court. A hardship license lets you drive to work, school, medical appointments, and court-ordered programs — but nowhere else. You cannot use it for personal errands, shopping, or social activities.
You must file a petition with the court that suspended your license. The court will consider whether you have a genuine need to drive for one of the permitted purposes and whether granting a hardship license is in the interest of justice. You will likely have to appear in court or submit a written statement explaining why you need to drive. The court may require proof of employment, school enrollment, or medical treatment.
A hardship license is not automatic, and courts deny petitions regularly. Even if you are granted one, it comes with restrictions — you may only drive during certain hours, only to specific locations, and only in a vehicle registered to you. Violating the terms of a hardship license is itself a crime and will result in arrest.
Steps to get your license reinstated
Reinstatement is not a single step; it is a sequence that depends on why your license was suspended. Start by confirming the reason with the Georgia Department of Driver Services. Then follow the specific path for that reason.
If your suspension was for unpaid fines or failure to appear, you must resolve the court case first. Contact the court listed on your suspension notice, pay any outstanding fines, and appear for any scheduled hearings. Once the court clears the case, the suspension is lifted, but you still need to notify the Department of Driver Services that the issue is resolved.
If your suspension was for a DUI, you must complete a DUI risk reduction program (also called a defensive driving course), pay reinstatement fees, and in some cases install an ignition interlock device in your vehicle. The specific requirements depend on whether it was a first or repeat offense and whether you refused a breath test.
If your suspension was for accumulating too many points, you must wait out the suspension period (which varies) and then pay a reinstatement fee. The Department of Driver Services will notify you when you are may be able to access to reinstate.
Once you have completed all requirements, you must submit a reinstatement request to the Department of Driver Services. You can do this online, by mail, or in person at a driver services office. There is a reinstatement fee, typically $210 to $250 depending on the reason for suspension. After you pay and your request is processed, your license will be restored.
What to do if you are stopped while suspended
If you are pulled over and your license is suspended, do not lie or claim you did not know. Police will discover the suspension when ready when they run your license. Instead, stay calm, keep your hands visible, and be honest. Tell the officer your license is suspended and cooperate with the stop.
You will be arrested. This is not optional — driving with a suspended license is a criminal offense, and officers have no discretion. You will be taken to a police station or jail, booked, and held until you can post bail or see a judge. Bail amounts vary, but expect to pay several hundred dollars.
Do not agree to any statements or sign anything without speaking to a lawyer first. You have the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney. If you cannot afford one, you can request a public defender at your first court appearance. Use that right.
Your vehicle will be towed. Get the towing company's name and location from the officer or the police report. You will need to pay towing and storage fees to retrieve it, and those fees are separate from any criminal fines or bail.
How to avoid driving suspended
The simplest way to avoid this situation is to stay on top of traffic fines and court dates. If you receive a ticket, pay it or contest it in court by the due date. If you receive a court notice, appear or request a continuance in writing before the date. Missing a court date is one of the fastest ways to get suspended.
If you are at risk of suspension — for example, you have accumulated points or have an unpaid fine — contact the court or the Department of Driver Services when ready. Many courts will work with you on payment plans if you ask before a suspension takes effect. Once suspended, your options narrow dramatically.
If you know your license is suspended, do not drive. The risk is not worth it. Use rideshare, public transportation, or ask someone else to drive. If you need a hardship license, file the petition with the court right away. Waiting only makes the situation worse.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a hardship license if my suspension is for unpaid fines?
It depends on the court and the circumstances. Some courts grant hardship licenses for financial hardship suspensions, but others do not. You must file a petition with the court that suspended your license and explain why you need to drive. Bring proof of employment or other necessity. The court will decide whether to grant it.
What happens to my car if I am arrested for driving suspended?
Your vehicle will be towed and impounded. You must pay towing fees (typically $150 to $300) and daily storage fees (typically $25 to $50 per day) to retrieve it. These fees are separate from any criminal fines or bail. If you cannot pay, the vehicle may be sold at auction after a certain period.
How long does reinstatement take after I pay the fees?
Processing time varies. If you submit your reinstatement request online or in person with all required documents and fees, it can take a few days to a few weeks. If you mail it, add time for postal delivery. Contact the Department of Driver Services to confirm your request was received and processed.
Will a suspended license charge show up on a background check?
Yes. A conviction for driving with a suspended license is a misdemeanor and will appear on your criminal record. Employers, landlords, and others who run background checks will see it. This is one reason why addressing a suspension when ready is important — the longer you wait, the more likely you are to be charged.
Can I get the charge dismissed if I get my license reinstated?
Not automatically. Reinstating your license resolves the suspension, but it does not erase the criminal charge if you were arrested. You would need to work with a lawyer to petition the court for dismissal, and the court is not required to grant it. Reinstatement and criminal charges are separate issues.