How long your license stays suspended in Massachusetts
The length of a Massachusetts license suspension depends on why it was suspended. A first-time suspension for unpaid traffic fines or failure to appear in court typically lasts 30 days. A suspension for drunk driving (Operating Under the Influence, or OUI) lasts at least 30 days for a first offense, but can stretch to one year or longer depending on the circumstances. Suspensions for accumulating too many points on your driving record can last anywhere from a few months to several years. The Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) will tell you the exact end date when they notify you of the suspension.
Your suspension does not automatically lift on the end date. You must take specific steps to restore your license, which usually means paying a reinstatement fee and sometimes completing a driver improvement program or substance abuse course. Until you complete these steps, you cannot legally drive even after the suspension period ends.
Key Takeaways
- A suspension for unpaid fines or failure to appear lasts 30 days; an OUI suspension lasts at least 30 days for a first offense but can extend to one year or more.
- Point-based suspensions vary widely depending on how many points you accumulated and your driving history.
- The RMV sends a notice stating your exact suspension end date, but you must take action to restore your license after that date passes.
- Reinstatement usually requires paying a fee to the RMV and sometimes completing a driver improvement or substance abuse course.
- Driving while suspended is a separate criminal offense that carries fines, jail time, and further license suspension.
Suspensions for unpaid fines or failure to appear
If you received a traffic ticket and did not pay the fine or did not show up to court, the RMV will suspend your license for 30 days. This is one of the most common types of suspension. The suspension begins on the date the RMV processes it, not the date you receive the notice in the mail.
To find out whether your license is currently suspended for this reason, you can check your driving record through the RMV website or call the RMV at 617-351-4500. You will need your license number and date of birth. Once you pay the outstanding fine or resolve the court case, the suspension ends when ready — you do not have to wait for the 30 days to pass. However, you still need to request reinstatement from the RMV, which involves paying a reinstatement fee (currently $100 in Massachusetts).
Suspensions for drunk driving (OUI)
An OUI suspension is longer and more complex than a fine-related suspension. For a first OUI offense, your license is suspended for at least 30 days. However, the actual suspension period depends on whether you refused a breath test, whether you were in an accident, and other factors. If you refused the breath test, the suspension can last up to one year. If you were convicted in court, the suspension can last from one to five years depending on the judge's sentence.
Before you can restore your license after an OUI suspension, you must complete a substance abuse assessment and treatment program approved by the RMV. You will also need to pay the reinstatement fee. Some people are required to install an ignition interlock device in their vehicle, which prevents the car from starting if alcohol is detected on your breath. This requirement can last from two to five years.
Suspensions based on accumulated points
Massachusetts uses a point system for traffic violations. Speeding, reckless driving, and other infractions add points to your record. If you accumulate too many points within a certain time period, the RMV will suspend your license. The suspension length depends on how many points you have and how quickly you accumulated them.
Generally, accumulating 12 or more points within two years triggers a suspension. A first suspension for points typically lasts 30 days. A second suspension within five years lasts 60 days. A third or subsequent suspension lasts 90 days or longer. The RMV notice will specify your suspension length and the date it ends.
What you must do to restore your license
straightforward waiting for the suspension period to end does not restore your license. You must take action. First, make sure all the underlying issues are resolved — pay any outstanding fines, complete any required courses, and satisfy any court orders. Then contact the RMV to request reinstatement.
You can request reinstatement online through the RMV website, by mail, or in person at an RMV office. You will need to pay the reinstatement fee, which is $100 for most suspensions. For some suspensions, you may also need to provide proof that you completed a driver improvement course or substance abuse program. The RMV will process your reinstatement request and mail you a new license or a letter confirming that your suspension has been lifted.
If your suspension was for points, you may be required to complete a driver improvement program before reinstatement. This is a classroom course that teaches safe driving practices. The course costs money and takes several hours. You must complete it before or at the same time as you request reinstatement.
What happens if you drive while suspended
Driving with a suspended license in Massachusetts is a criminal offense, not just a traffic violation. A first offense carries a fine of $500 to $1,000 and up to 10 days in jail. A second offense within five years carries a fine of $1,000 to $2,000 and up to 30 days in jail. A third or subsequent offense carries a fine of $2,000 to $5,000 and up to one year in jail.
In addition to criminal penalties, driving while suspended will extend your suspension. The RMV will add another suspension period on top of your existing one. Your vehicle can also be seized and impounded. For these reasons, it is important to check your driving status before getting behind the wheel and to complete the reinstatement process as soon as you are may be able to access.
How to check your suspension status
You can look up your driving record and suspension status through the RMV website at mass.gov/rmv. You will need your license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The online system shows your current status, any active suspensions, and the date the suspension ends.
You can also call the RMV at 617-351-4500 during business hours. Have your license number and date of birth ready. The RMV staff can tell you why your license is suspended, when the suspension ends, and what steps you need to take to restore it. If you are unsure about your status, calling is often faster than waiting for mail from the RMV.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive to work or to court while my license is suspended?
No. Massachusetts does not issue restricted licenses that allow you to drive for work or other essential purposes during a suspension. Driving for any reason while suspended is illegal and carries criminal penalties. Your only legal option is to use public transportation, ride-sharing, or ask someone else to drive.
What if I did not receive the RMV notice about my suspension?
The RMV mails suspension notices to the address on your license. If you moved and did not update your address, you may not have received it. Check your driving record online or call the RMV to confirm your status. Not receiving the notice does not prevent the suspension from taking effect, and driving while suspended is still illegal.
Do I have to pay the reinstatement fee if I already paid my traffic fine?
Yes. The reinstatement fee is separate from any traffic fine. Paying the fine resolves the underlying violation, but you must also pay the $100 reinstatement fee to the RMV to restore your license. Some suspensions may have additional fees depending on the reason for the suspension.
How long does reinstatement take after I submit my request?
If you submit your reinstatement request online or in person, the RMV usually processes it within a few business days. If you mail your request, allow one to two weeks for processing. You will receive a new license or a letter confirming reinstatement in the mail. During this time, your license is still suspended, so you cannot legally drive.
Will my suspension show up on a background check for a job?
A license suspension will appear on your driving record, which employers can request if the job involves driving. A criminal conviction for driving while suspended will also appear on a background check. Once your license is reinstated, the suspension itself remains on your record, but it shows as resolved.