How a Massachusetts license suspension works
A suspended license in Massachusetts means the Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) has temporarily taken away your right to drive. You cannot legally operate a vehicle during the suspension period. The suspension is not permanent — it ends on a specific date or when you complete certain requirements, depending on why it was suspended.
The RMV suspends licenses for many reasons: unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, accumulating too many points from violations, driving without insurance, or failing to pay child support. Some suspensions are automatic; others happen after a hearing or court order. The reason matters because it determines how long the suspension lasts and what you must do to get your license back.
You will receive a notice in the mail explaining the suspension, the reason, and the date it ends or the steps you need to take. If you did not receive a notice, you can check your suspension status on the RMV website or by calling the RMV at 857-368-8000.
Key Takeaways
- A suspension removes your legal right to drive until a specific date or until you meet certain requirements set by the RMV or a court.
- The RMV sends a written notice explaining why your license was suspended, how long it will last, and what you must do to restore it.
- Common reasons for suspension include unpaid fines, failure to appear in court, accumulating traffic points, driving without insurance, or unpaid child support.
- You can check your suspension status on the RMV website at mass.gov/rmv or by calling 857-368-8000 to learn the exact end date or requirements.
- Driving on a suspended license is illegal and can result in additional fines, criminal charges, and a longer suspension.
Finding out why your license was suspended
The RMV notice you received should state the reason. Common reasons fall into a few categories: traffic violations that accumulated points, failure to pay fines or court-ordered fees, failure to appear for a court date, driving without insurance, or non-payment of child support ordered by the court.
If you cannot find your notice or do not remember receiving one, visit mass.gov/rmv and log into your account, or call the RMV at 857-368-8000. Have your driver's license number ready. The RMV can tell you the exact reason, the suspension start date, and the end date or what you need to do to restore your license.
Some suspensions are temporary and end automatically on a set date. Others require you to take action — paying a fine, attending a hearing, or providing proof of insurance — before the RMV will lift the suspension.
Suspensions that end automatically
If your suspension is for a specific number of days or months, it will end on the date stated in your notice without you having to do anything. For example, a suspension for accumulating too many traffic points might last 30 days or 90 days. Once that period passes, your license is restored automatically.
However, you should not assume your license is restored just because the date has passed. Contact the RMV a few days after the end date to confirm. You can check your status online at mass.gov/rmv or call 857-368-8000. Driving before your suspension officially ends is illegal, even if you believe the time has passed.
Suspensions that require action from you
Many suspensions do not end automatically. Instead, you must complete a specific step before the RMV will restore your license. The most common requirements are paying an outstanding fine or court fee, providing proof of insurance, or attending a hearing.
Your notice will explain what you need to do. If it says you must pay a fine, you can pay online at mass.gov/rmv, by mail, or in person at an RMV office. If you must provide proof of insurance, contact your insurance company and ask them to send proof directly to the RMV, or bring the proof yourself to an RMV office. If you must attend a hearing, the notice will include the date, time, and location.
After you complete the required action, contact the RMV to confirm your license has been restored. Do not assume it is restored when ready. The RMV may need a few business days to process your payment or proof.
Suspensions related to unpaid fines or court fees
If your suspension is due to an unpaid fine or court-ordered fee, you must pay the amount owed. The RMV notice will state the amount and provide payment instructions. You can pay online at mass.gov/rmv using a credit or debit card, by mail with a check, or in person at an RMV office.
If you cannot pay the full amount, contact the court or the RMV to ask about a payment plan. Some courts allow you to pay in installments. Explain your situation and ask what options are available. Once you have arranged a payment plan or paid in full, notify the RMV and ask them to confirm your license status.
If the fine is from a traffic ticket, you may also have the option to contest the ticket in court. If you believe the ticket was issued in error, you can request a hearing. The notice should explain how to request one, or you can contact the court listed on the ticket.
Suspensions for driving without insurance
Massachusetts requires all drivers to carry auto insurance. If you were caught driving without insurance, your license will be suspended. To restore it, you must obtain insurance and provide proof to the RMV.
Contact an insurance company and purchase a policy. Once the policy is active, ask your insurance company to send proof of insurance (called a declaration page or proof of coverage) directly to the RMV. You can also bring the proof yourself to an RMV office. The RMV will need to see that the insurance is active as of the date you were stopped or shortly after.
After the RMV receives proof of insurance, they will restore your license. This usually takes a few business days. Contact the RMV to confirm your status before you drive.
What to do if you received a suspension notice you believe is wrong
If you think your suspension was issued by mistake — for example, you paid a fine but the RMV has no record, or you were not the driver — you have the right to request a hearing. The notice you received should explain how to request one, or you can contact the RMV directly.
At a hearing, you can present evidence that the suspension was wrong. Bring documents that support your case: proof of payment, insurance records, or any other relevant paperwork. The RMV will review your evidence and decide whether to lift the suspension.
If you miss the important date to request a hearing, you may still be able to appeal. Contact the RMV or the court that issued the suspension to ask about your options. Acting quickly is important because driving on a suspended license carries serious penalties.
Consequences of driving on a suspended license
Driving while your license is suspended is illegal in Massachusetts. If you are stopped, you can be fined, arrested, and charged with a criminal offense. The penalties increase with each violation: a first offense can result in a fine and jail time, and a second or subsequent offense carries steeper penalties.
Additionally, driving on a suspended license will extend your suspension. The RMV may add extra time to your suspension or impose new requirements before you can drive again. Your insurance may also be cancelled, and you will have difficulty obtaining new insurance in the future.
If you need to drive during your suspension for work or medical reasons, you may be able to request a hardship license. Contact the RMV to ask whether you may have access to and what documentation you need to provide.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I check if my license is currently suspended?
Visit mass.gov/rmv and log into your account to check your license status, or call the RMV at 857-368-8000. Have your driver's license number ready. The RMV can tell you whether your license is suspended, why, and when it will be restored or what you need to do.
Can I get a hardship license while my license is suspended?
You may be able to obtain a hardship license if you can show that the suspension causes undue hardship — for example, you need to drive for work or medical treatment. Contact the RMV to ask whether you may have access to and what documentation you must provide. Not all suspension reasons allow for a hardship license.
What happens if I pay my fine but the RMV still shows my license as suspended?
The RMV may need several business days to process your payment and update their records. Wait a few days, then check your status again online or by phone. If your license is still suspended after a week, contact the RMV with proof of payment and ask them to investigate.
If my suspension ends on a certain date, can I drive the day after?
Do not drive until you have confirmed with the RMV that your suspension has been lifted. Check your status online at mass.gov/rmv or call 857-368-8000 a day or two after the end date. Driving before your suspension is officially restored is illegal, even if the date has passed.
What is the difference between a suspension and a revocation?
A suspension is temporary and your license will be restored after a set period or once you meet certain requirements. A revocation is permanent, and you must reapply for a new license through the RMV. Revocations are typically issued for serious violations like multiple DUI convictions.