What the officer will do when they stop you
When a police officer runs your license plate or checks your driver's license during a traffic stop, they will see when ready that your license is suspended. At that point, the officer has the legal authority to issue you a citation for driving with a suspended license — this is a separate violation from whatever reason the stop happened in the first place.
The officer may ask you to step out of the vehicle and may call a tow truck to impound your car, depending on your state's laws and the reason your license was suspended. Some states require impoundment for certain suspension types; others leave it to the officer's discretion. You will be given a citation with a court date, and you may be arrested on the spot if the suspension is related to a serious offense or if you have multiple violations.
Do not argue with the officer or attempt to drive away. Ask politely whether you can call someone to pick up the car, and provide the officer with your insurance information and vehicle registration. Write down the officer's name and badge number, the time, and the location of the stop.
Key Takeaways
- Driving on a suspended license is a separate criminal or traffic violation, and you will receive a citation even if the original stop was for a minor reason.
- Your vehicle may be impounded depending on your state and the reason for the suspension, and you will have to pay towing and storage fees to retrieve it.
- The consequences include fines, points on your driving record, possible jail time, and an extension of your suspension period.
- You must appear in court on the date listed on your citation; failure to appear will result in an additional charge and a warrant for your arrest.
- Before you drive again, you need to understand why your license was suspended and what steps are required to restore it in your state.
Why your license was suspended in the first place
A suspended license means a government authority — usually your state's Department of Motor Vehicles or a court — has temporarily revoked your driving privileges. The suspension is not permanent, but you cannot legally drive until it is lifted. Common reasons include unpaid traffic fines, failure to pay child support, accumulation of too many points from traffic violations, a DUI or DWI conviction, or failure to maintain car insurance.
Some suspensions are automatic: if you receive a certain number of points within a set time period, your state will suspend your license without a court order. Others are court-ordered, meaning a judge imposed the suspension as part of a sentence or as a condition of probation. You should have received a notice in the mail explaining the reason and the length of the suspension, though that notice may have been sent to an old address.
The reason matters because it determines how you restore your license. If the suspension is for unpaid fines, you must pay them. If it is for failure to maintain insurance, you must show proof of current coverage. If it is for a DUI, you may need to complete an alcohol education program or install an ignition interlock device. Driving while suspended does not shorten the original suspension period — it only adds new charges and extends the time you cannot drive.
The when ready legal consequences
Driving with a suspended license is typically charged as a misdemeanor, though some states treat it as a traffic infraction if the suspension is for a minor reason like unpaid parking tickets. A misdemeanor conviction can result in fines ranging from a few hundred to several thousand dollars, depending on your state and whether this is your first offense. You may also face jail time, usually a few days to several months for a first offense.
The court will also add points to your driving record, which can trigger an additional suspension or increase your insurance rates when you eventually get your license back. If your license was suspended for a DUI-related reason, a conviction for driving while suspended may be treated more seriously and could result in longer jail time and higher fines.
You will be required to appear in court on the date listed on your citation. If you do not show up, the court will issue a bench warrant for your arrest, and you may face additional charges for failure to appear. Do not ignore the citation or assume it will go away.
What happens to your vehicle
Many states require police to impound a vehicle driven by someone with a suspended license, particularly if the suspension is for a serious reason like a DUI conviction. Impoundment means your car is towed to a storage facility and held there until you or someone else retrieves it. You will have to pay the towing fee (usually $150 to $500) and a daily storage fee (typically $20 to $50 per day) before you can get the car back.
Some states allow the officer to release the vehicle to a licensed driver who is present at the scene, which is why it helps to call someone to come pick it up. If no one can retrieve it when ready, the impound lot will hold it, and fees will accumulate. If you cannot pay the fees within a certain time period (often 30 days), the impound lot may sell the vehicle to cover the costs.
Even if your vehicle is not impounded, you should not drive it. Doing so a second time will result in a second citation and compounds your legal problems.
Steps to take before your court date
First, locate your citation and note the exact court date, time, and location. If you lost the citation, contact the police department that issued it or the court listed on the citation. Missing your court date will result in a warrant for your arrest.
Second, find out the original reason your license was suspended. Contact your state's Department of Motor Vehicles or check your online account if your state offers one. You need to know whether the suspension is for unpaid fines, insurance-related reasons, points accumulation, or a court order. This information will determine what you must do to restore your license.
Third, consider whether you want to hire a traffic attorney. An attorney can sometimes negotiate with the prosecutor to reduce the charges, request a payment plan for fines, or argue for a lighter sentence. If you cannot afford an attorney, ask the court about a public defender at your first appearance.
Fourth, gather any documents that might help your case: proof that you have paid outstanding fines, proof of current insurance, completion certificates from any required programs, or evidence that the suspension was issued in error. Bring these documents to court.
How to restore your license after the suspension ends
Once the suspension period ends, your license does not automatically become valid again. You must take specific steps to restore it, and these steps vary by state and by the reason for the suspension.
If the suspension was for unpaid fines or fees, you must pay them in full and then request reinstatement from your state's DMV. If it was for failure to maintain insurance, you must provide proof of current coverage. If it was for accumulating too many points, you may need to wait out the suspension period and then pay a reinstatement fee. If it was for a DUI, you may need to complete an alcohol education program, pass a written test, and install an ignition interlock device in your vehicle.
Contact your state's DMV directly to learn the exact requirements for your situation. Some states allow you to begin the reinstatement process before the suspension period ends, which can speed things up. You will likely have to pay a reinstatement fee in addition to any other costs. Once you have completed all requirements and paid all fees, your license will be restored, and you can legally drive again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a hardship or work license while my license is suspended?
Some states issue restricted licenses that allow you to drive to work, school, or medical appointments while your license is suspended. You must request this from the court or DMV, and approval is not may provide. The reason for your suspension matters — courts are more likely to grant a work license for suspension due to unpaid fines than for a DUI conviction. Ask the court at your first appearance whether this option is available in your situation.
What if I did not know my license was suspended?
Lack of knowledge is not a legal defense. The state is required to send you notice of suspension, usually by mail to the address on file with your DMV. If you moved and did not update your address, that is your responsibility. The officer will not dismiss the citation based on this claim, but you can explain it to the judge, who may consider it when deciding on penalties.
Will this conviction show up on a background check?
Yes. A misdemeanor conviction for driving with a suspended license will appear on background checks for employment, housing, and other purposes. It will remain on your record permanently unless you later petition to have it expunged, which is possible in some states but not others. Ask your attorney whether expungement is an option after you complete your sentence.
What if the officer made a mistake and my license was not actually suspended?
If you believe your license was not suspended at the time of the stop, bring proof to court — a copy of your DMV record showing your license was valid, or a letter from the DMV. The prosecutor or judge can verify this. If the suspension was issued after the stop but before your court date, that is a different matter and you should explain it to the judge.
Can I appeal the citation or the court's decision?
Yes, you have the right to appeal a conviction to a higher court, but the process is complex and usually requires an attorney. You must file a notice of appeal within a specific time frame (often 30 days) and follow strict procedural rules. Consult with an attorney about whether an appeal is worthwhile in your case.