A suspended license means the state has temporarily taken away your right to drive

When your license is suspended, you cannot legally operate a vehicle. The suspension is temporary — it will end on a specific date set by your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or the court — but until that date arrives, driving is illegal, even if you own the car and have insurance.

A suspension is different from a revocation. A revocation is permanent or nearly permanent; you would have to reapply for a license and often retake the driving test. A suspension is a set penalty with a defined end date. Once that date passes and you meet any other requirements (like paying fines or completing a program), your license is restored automatically in most cases.

The number 46 in your question likely refers to a specific state code or statute number rather than the count of suspensions. Each state uses its own numbering system for traffic laws and DMV rules. If you have received a notice citing "46 times" or referencing a "46" code, that number refers to a particular violation or circumstance under your state's law.

Key Takeaways

  • A suspended license is a temporary loss of driving privileges that ends on a specific date set by your state or the court.
  • You cannot legally drive during a suspension, even for work or emergencies, unless your state has issued a hardship or work permit.
  • The reason for suspension — unpaid tickets, DUI conviction, too many points, or failure to appear in court — determines how long it lasts and what you must do to restore it.
  • Your state's DMV website or a call to your local DMV office will tell you the exact end date of your suspension and what steps are required before you can drive again.
  • Driving on a suspended license carries criminal penalties including fines, jail time, and an extended suspension.

Common reasons your license gets suspended

States suspend licenses for several reasons, and the cause affects how long the suspension lasts and what you must do to end it. The most common reason is accumulating too many points on your driving record. Each traffic violation — speeding, running a red light, reckless driving — adds points. When you reach your state's threshold (often 12 to 15 points within a set period), your license is automatically suspended.

Unpaid traffic fines and court-ordered fees also trigger suspension. If you ignore a ticket or fail to pay a fine by the important date, the court reports this to the DMV, which suspends your license. This suspension stays in place until you pay the debt and request reinstatement.

A DUI or DWI conviction results in a mandatory suspension. The length varies by state and by whether it is your first offense, but suspensions for impaired driving typically last from three months to several years. Some states impose an when ready administrative suspension (often 30 to 90 days) while the criminal case is still pending.

Failure to appear in court for a traffic hearing or failure to respond to a ticket also causes suspension. If you miss a court date or ignore a notice to appear, the judge can order the DMV to suspend your license until you resolve the case.

How long a suspension lasts

The length of a suspension depends on the reason and your state's laws. A suspension for too many points might last 30 days to six months. A suspension for unpaid fines lasts until you pay and request reinstatement. A DUI suspension can last from several months to several years, depending on whether it is your first offense and your state's rules.

Your DMV will send you a notice stating the suspension start date and end date. If you do not receive a notice, you can contact your state's DMV directly — by phone, online, or in person — and ask for your suspension status. Many states now allow you to check this online using your license number and date of birth.

Some suspensions are indefinite until you take a specific action. For example, if your license was suspended because you failed to appear in court, it stays suspended until you appear or resolve the case. If it was suspended for an unpaid fine, it stays suspended until you pay. In these cases, the end date is not set in advance; it depends on when you complete the required step.

What you cannot do while suspended

During a suspension, you cannot legally drive for any reason — not for work, not for medical emergencies, not to get groceries. Driving on a suspended license is a criminal offense in all states, and the penalties are serious. You can be arrested, fined (often $500 to $1,000 or more), and jailed. A conviction for driving with a suspended license also extends your suspension further and can result in a permanent revocation in some cases.

However, some states offer hardship licenses or work permits for people whose suspension would cause severe financial or personal hardship. These permits allow limited driving — usually to and from work, medical appointments, or court-ordered programs — but only if you meet strict criteria and obtain the permit before you drive. You must request a hardship license through your DMV; it is not automatic.

If you are arrested for driving on a suspended license, you will face criminal charges separate from the original reason for the suspension. The court can impose additional fines, jail time, and extend your suspension. A second or third offense carries harsher penalties.

Steps to restore your license after suspension ends

Once your suspension end date arrives, your license is not automatically restored. You must take action to reinstate it. The exact steps depend on your state and the reason for the suspension, but most states require you to pay a reinstatement fee (typically $50 to $300) and sometimes to provide proof that you have completed a required program, such as a defensive driving course or substance abuse treatment.

Contact your state's DMV to find out what you owe and what documents you need. You can usually pay the reinstatement fee online, by mail, or in person at a DMV office. Some states process reinstatement when ready once payment is received; others take a few business days. After reinstatement, your license is mailed to you or you can pick it up at a DMV office.

If your suspension was due to unpaid fines or court fees, you must pay those first. The DMV will not reinstate your license until the court confirms that the debt is settled. If your suspension was due to a DUI, you may also need to install an ignition interlock device (a breathalyzer connected to your car's ignition) before you can drive again. Your state's DMV or the court will tell you what is required.

What to do if you are stopped while suspended

If a police officer stops you and discovers your license is suspended, you will be cited or arrested. Do not argue or try to explain; remain calm and polite. Ask the officer for a written citation so you have a record of the stop. If you are arrested, you have the right to remain silent and to speak to a lawyer. Exercise both rights.

After the stop, contact a lawyer as soon as possible. Driving on a suspended license is a criminal charge, and a conviction will have long-term consequences for your record, your insurance, and your ability to drive. A lawyer can review the circumstances, determine whether the stop was lawful, and negotiate with the prosecutor for a reduced charge or penalty.

If you cannot afford a lawyer, ask the court for a public defender at your first appearance. Do not ignore the citation or fail to appear in court; doing so will result in additional charges and an extended suspension.

Understanding your state's specific rules

Every state has different suspension laws, point systems, and reinstatement procedures. Some states use a point system; others use a violation-based system. Some states allow hardship licenses; others do not. Some states have mandatory minimum suspension periods for certain offenses; others give judges discretion.

The best source of information is your state's DMV website. Most states provide a downloadable guide to traffic laws, suspension rules, and reinstatement procedures. You can also call your local DMV office and speak to a representative who can tell you the exact reason for your suspension, the end date, and the steps you need to take to restore your license.

If you received a notice referencing a specific code number (such as "46"), that number refers to a statute in your state's vehicle code. Your DMV or a lawyer can explain what that specific code means and how it affects your suspension.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a hardship license while my license is suspended?

Many states offer hardship or work permits that allow limited driving during a suspension, but may be able to access varies. You must show that the suspension causes severe hardship — usually loss of employment or inability to reach medical care. You must request the permit before you drive; it is not granted automatically. Contact your state's DMV to learn whether hardship licenses are available and what you must prove.

What happens if I drive on a suspended license and get in an accident?

Your insurance will likely deny your claim because you were driving illegally. You could be held personally liable for all damages and injuries. You will also face criminal charges for driving with a suspended license, separate from any accident-related charges. This is why it is critical not to drive during a suspension, even if you think the risk is low.

How do I find out the exact end date of my suspension?

Check your DMV notice or contact your state's DMV directly. Most states allow you to check your license status online using your license number and date of birth. You can also call your local DMV office or visit in person. Have your license number and date of birth ready when you call.

Do I have to retake the driving test to get my license back after a suspension?

Usually no. A suspension ends on a set date, and you straightforward pay the reinstatement fee and any required fines to restore your license. However, if your license was revoked (not suspended), you will have to retake the written test and the driving test. Ask your DMV whether your case is a suspension or a revocation.

Can a lawyer help me reduce or end my suspension early?

In some cases, yes. If your suspension was based on a traffic conviction, a lawyer might be able to challenge the conviction or negotiate a reduced penalty. If your suspension is due to unpaid fines, paying the fines may end it when ready. However, if your suspension is administrative (such as for too many points), it typically cannot be shortened. A lawyer can review your specific situation and advise you on your options.