What the 2020 suspended license law changes actually did
In 2020, several states passed laws that made it easier to get a suspended license reinstated, particularly for people whose licenses were suspended for unpaid fines or court fees rather than for unsafe driving. The most significant change was that many states stopped suspending licenses automatically when someone couldn't pay traffic court costs. Instead, they required courts to consider whether the person could actually afford to pay before suspending driving privileges.
The exact changes depend on which state you live in. Some states eliminated suspension for unpaid fines entirely. Others created a payment plan option so you could keep your license while paying off what you owe over time. A few states added a hardship exception, meaning you could ask the court to let you keep your license if losing it would cost you your job or make it impossible to get to medical care.
If your license was suspended before 2020 for unpaid fines or fees, you may have new options to get it back now, even if you haven't paid the full amount. The law doesn't erase what you owe — it changes how the state can enforce collection.
Key Takeaways
- Most 2020 changes stopped automatic license suspension for unpaid traffic fines and allowed payment plans instead.
- Your state's specific law determines whether you can keep your license while paying, or whether you must request a hardship waiver from the court.
- If your license was suspended before 2020 for unpaid fines, you may be able to get it reinstated under the new rules even if you haven't paid in full.
- You will need to contact your state's Department of Motor Vehicles or the court that issued the suspension to find out what your state's current rules are.
- Paying what you owe, setting up a payment plan, or requesting a hardship hearing are the main paths to reinstatement.
Which states changed their laws and what they did
Not every state passed a new law in 2020, and the ones that did made different changes. California, for example, eliminated license suspension for unpaid traffic fines and court fees entirely — the state now uses other collection methods instead. New York created a payment plan system so people could keep driving while paying off fines over time. Texas added a hardship exception allowing people to request that the court let them keep their license if suspension would cause severe financial harm.
Some states made smaller changes, like requiring courts to notify you in writing before suspending your license, or giving you a chance to request a hearing before suspension takes effect. Other states made no changes to their suspension laws in 2020 at all.
Because the rules are different in each state, you need to find out what your state actually did. The fastest way is to call your state's Department of Motor Vehicles and ask whether your state suspends licenses for unpaid fines, and if so, what options exist for payment plans or hardship waivers.
How to learn about your state's law changed
Start by contacting your state's Department of Motor Vehicles directly. Tell them your license is suspended and ask whether it was suspended for unpaid fines or traffic court fees. Then ask what your state's current policy is on payment plans and hardship exceptions. Write down the name of the person you speak with and the date, in case you need to follow up.
If you were suspended before 2020, also ask whether you can request reinstatement under the new rules. Some states automatically review old suspensions when a new law passes, but most require you to request review yourself. The DMV can tell you whether you need to file paperwork or contact the court directly.
You can also contact the court that issued your suspension — usually the traffic court in the county where you got the ticket. The court clerk can tell you what you owe and what payment or hardship options are available in your state.
Payment plans as an alternative to suspension
If your state allows payment plans, you can propose paying your fines and fees in installments rather than all at once, and keep your license while you pay. The court or DMV will set a monthly amount based on what you can afford. As long as you make each payment on time, your license stays valid.
To set up a payment plan, contact the court that issued the ticket or fine. Bring or send proof of your income — recent pay stubs, tax returns, or a letter from your employer showing what you earn. The court will use this to decide what monthly payment is reasonable. If you fall behind on a payment, contact the court when ready to explain and ask about catching up, because missing payments can trigger suspension again.
Payment plans usually take several months to several years to complete, depending on how much you owe and what monthly amount you can afford. Once you finish paying, your license suspension is lifted automatically.
Requesting a hardship waiver from the court
If your state has a hardship exception, you can ask the court to waive or delay your license suspension if losing your license would cause severe hardship — for example, if you need to drive to work and have no other transportation, or if you drive for your job. The court is not required to grant the waiver, but it must consider your request.
To request a hardship waiver, contact the court that suspended your license and ask for the hardship waiver form or process. You will need to explain in writing why suspension would cause hardship and provide supporting documents. If you drive for work, bring a letter from your employer stating that you need a valid license for your job. If you have no other way to get to medical appointments or essential services, explain that too.
The court will review your request and either grant it, deny it, or offer a payment plan instead. If the court grants a hardship waiver, your suspension is lifted while you work out a payment plan. If it denies the request, you can ask for a hearing where you can present your case in person.
Reinstatement fees and what happens after you pay
Even after you pay your fines and fees or set up a payment plan, most states charge a reinstatement fee to restore your license. This fee is separate from the original fine and typically ranges from $50 to $200, depending on your state. You have to pay this fee before the DMV will reissue your license.
Once you pay the reinstatement fee, contact your state's DMV to request reinstatement. Some states process this online, some by mail, and some require you to visit a DMV office in person. The DMV will tell you which method applies in your state and how long reinstatement takes — usually a few days to a few weeks.
After your license is reinstated, keep making any remaining payments on your fines or payment plan on schedule. If you miss a payment, the state can suspend your license again.
What to do if you cannot afford to pay at all
If you genuinely cannot afford to pay your fines, fees, or reinstatement costs, ask the court about a fee waiver or reduction. Courts have the power to waive or reduce fines for people with very low income. You will need to fill out a financial statement showing your income, expenses, and assets, and submit it to the court.
The court will review your financial information and decide whether to waive the fees, reduce them, or require a payment plan with a very small monthly amount. This process can take several weeks. While you wait, your license remains suspended, so request the waiver as soon as possible.
Some states also have legal aid organizations that can help you request a fee waiver or represent you at a hardship hearing. Search online for "[your state] legal aid" or call 211 to find free legal help in your area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive with a suspended license if I have a payment plan?
It depends on your state's law. Some states allow you to drive once you have a payment plan in place. Others require you to request a hardship waiver first. Contact your state's DMV or the court that suspended your license to find out whether a payment plan alone restores your driving privileges or whether you need additional approval.
What if I don't know why my license was suspended?
Call your state's DMV and give them your driver's license number. They can tell you the reason for suspension and what you owe. If the suspension was for unpaid fines, ask whether your state's 2020 law changes explore to your case and what your options are.
Do I have to go to court to get my license back?
Not always. If you can pay in full or set up a payment plan through the DMV or court by mail or phone, you may not need to appear in person. However, if you want to request a hardship waiver, most courts require you to attend a hearing or submit a written request that the judge will review.
How long does reinstatement take after I pay?
Processing time varies by state, but most DMVs reinstate a license within a few days to two weeks after receiving payment and the reinstatement fee. Some states offer expedited processing if you pay in person at a DMV office. Ask your DMV how long it takes in your state.
What happens if I drive with a suspended license?
Driving with a suspended license is illegal and can result in additional fines, criminal charges, and a longer suspension. If you are stopped by police, you can be arrested. It also invalidates your car insurance, meaning you are not covered if you cause an accident. Do not drive until your license is officially reinstated.