The when ready consequences of a suspended license stop
If a police officer stops you and discovers your license is suspended, you will be cited for driving with a suspended license. The officer will take your license, issue you a ticket or citation, and typically let you go — though in some states or circumstances, you may be arrested on the spot. You cannot legally drive away from that stop; you will need someone else to drive your vehicle, or it may be towed at your expense.
What happens next depends on why your license was suspended in the first place. A suspension for unpaid traffic fines, child support arrears, or failure to pay court costs is treated differently than a suspension for a medical condition or a DUI-related suspension. The state that suspended your license — usually your home state — is the one that will pursue the charge, though you may face additional penalties in the state where you were caught if it is different.
Key Takeaways
- Driving on a suspended license is a criminal or traffic misdemeanor in most states, with penalties ranging from fines to jail time depending on how many times you have been caught.
- Your vehicle may be impounded when ready, and you will owe towing and storage fees even if the charges are later dismissed.
- A conviction for driving with a suspended license will appear on your driving record and can affect insurance rates, employment, and future license reinstatement.
- The reason your license was suspended matters: financial suspensions can sometimes be resolved by paying what you owe, while other suspensions require specific steps like completing a program or passing a medical evaluation.
Criminal and traffic penalties you may face
Driving with a suspended license is classified as a misdemeanor in most states, though a few treat a first offense as a traffic infraction. The penalties vary widely by state and by how many times you have been caught. A first offense typically results in a fine ranging from $100 to $1,000, though some states impose higher amounts. A second or subsequent offense within a certain period — usually five to ten years — can result in jail time, often 10 days to six months depending on the state.
Some states impose mandatory minimum jail sentences for repeat offenses, and a few states will jail you even on a first offense if your license was suspended for a serious reason like a DUI conviction or a medical condition that makes you unsafe to drive. You should expect to appear in traffic court or criminal court to answer the charge, and you will likely need to pay court costs and fees on top of any fine.
If your license was suspended because you did not pay a fine or court costs from a previous ticket, the new charge for driving suspended will add another fine and court costs to what you already owe. This can create a cycle where you fall further behind, making reinstatement more difficult.
Vehicle impoundment and towing costs
Many states allow police to impound your vehicle when ready when they discover you are driving on a suspended license. Whether impoundment is mandatory or discretionary depends on your state and the reason for the suspension. If your license was suspended for a DUI or reckless driving, impoundment is more likely. If it was suspended for an unpaid fine, the officer may have discretion.
Once your vehicle is impounded, you will owe towing fees — typically $150 to $300 — plus daily storage fees, usually $20 to $50 per day. These fees accumulate quickly, and you cannot retrieve your vehicle until you pay them in full. In some states, you can retrieve the vehicle if you show proof that someone with a valid license will drive it away, but you still owe the towing fee. If you cannot pay the fees within a certain period — often 30 to 90 days — the impound lot may sell the vehicle to cover the costs.
How the reason for suspension affects your options
If your license was suspended for an unpaid traffic fine, child support, or court costs, you may be able to resolve the suspension by paying what you owe. Contact your state's Department of Motor Vehicles or the court that issued the original citation to find out the exact amount and where to send payment. Once you pay, you can request reinstatement, though there may be a reinstatement fee of $50 to $200.
If your license was suspended for a medical reason — such as a seizure disorder, vision loss, or a mental health condition — you will need to provide medical documentation showing that the condition is controlled or resolved before the DMV will consider reinstatement. This typically requires a letter from your doctor and may require a medical examination.
If your license was suspended because of a DUI conviction, you will need to complete a substance abuse program, pay reinstatement fees, and often install an ignition interlock device in your vehicle before you can drive again. The length of the suspension and the requirements for reinstatement depend on whether it was a first offense and on your state's laws.
The impact on your driving record and insurance
A conviction for driving with a suspended license will be recorded on your driving record and will remain there for several years — typically five to ten years depending on your state. This record is visible to insurance companies, and most will raise your rates significantly or drop you entirely if you are convicted. If you are dropped, you may be required to obtain high-risk insurance, which costs substantially more.
The conviction will also count against you if you are stopped for another traffic violation in the future. A second or third offense for driving suspended will result in harsher penalties than a first offense, and judges will consider your prior convictions when deciding on sentencing.
Some employers, particularly those in transportation, security, or positions requiring a commercial driver's license, will not hire you or will terminate you if you are convicted of driving with a suspended license. Even if your job does not require a license, a criminal record may affect your employment prospects.
What to do if you are charged with driving suspended
Do not ignore the citation. Failing to appear in court will result in an additional charge and a warrant for your arrest. Contact the court listed on your citation as soon as possible to find out when you are required to appear.
Before your court date, find out why your license was suspended. Call your state's DMV or check your online account if available. If the suspension is due to unpaid fines or fees, calculate what you owe and consider paying it before court — judges are often more lenient if you have already resolved the underlying issue.
Consider hiring a traffic attorney if you can afford one. An attorney can sometimes negotiate a reduction in charges, particularly if there are circumstances that mitigate the offense — for example, if you were unaware the suspension was in effect, or if you were driving to a medical appointment or to work. Some attorneys can also help you understand your options for reinstatement after the case is resolved.
Bring any documentation to court that supports your case: proof of payment if you have paid what you owed, medical records if the suspension was medical, or evidence that you were unaware of the suspension. Be honest with the judge about why you were driving and what steps you have taken to resolve the underlying issue.
Reinstating your license after a suspension
The process for reinstatement depends on why your license was suspended. If it was suspended for unpaid fines or fees, you must pay the full amount owed plus a reinstatement fee, which varies by state but typically ranges from $50 to $200. You can then request reinstatement through your state's DMV by mail, online, or in person.
If the suspension was for a medical reason, you will need to submit medical documentation and may need to pass a vision test or written exam before reinstatement is granted. If it was for a DUI, you will need to complete a substance abuse program, pay reinstatement fees, and install an ignition interlock device if required by your state.
Some states impose a waiting period before you can request reinstatement — for example, you may have to wait 30 days after the suspension begins before you can explore. Check with your DMV to find out the specific requirements and timeline for your situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a hardship license to drive to work while my license is suspended?
Some states issue restricted or hardship licenses that allow you to drive to work, school, or medical appointments while your license is suspended. You must request this through your state's DMV, and approval is not may provide. The reason for your suspension matters — hardship licenses are rarely granted for DUI suspensions, but may be available for suspensions due to unpaid fines or medical reasons.
What happens if I am caught driving suspended a second time?
A second offense within a certain period — usually five to ten years — is treated more severely than a first offense. Most states impose mandatory jail time, higher fines, and a longer suspension period. The judge will also consider your prior conviction when deciding on sentencing, so penalties are typically harsher than for a first offense.
Will the conviction show up on a background check for employment?
Yes. A conviction for driving with a suspended license is a criminal or traffic misdemeanor and will appear on background checks. Some employers will not hire you if you have this conviction, particularly if the job involves driving or requires a clean record. The conviction will remain on your record for several years depending on your state.
Can I get the charge dismissed if I pay to reinstate my license before court?
Paying to reinstate your license does not automatically dismiss the charge, but it can help your case in court. Judges often view it favorably if you have already resolved the underlying issue — for example, by paying unpaid fines or completing a required program. Discuss your options with the court or with an attorney before your court date.
How long does a driving suspended conviction stay on my record?
Most states keep traffic and criminal convictions on your driving record for five to ten years. However, the conviction may remain on your criminal record indefinitely, depending on your state's laws. You can request that your record be expunged or sealed in some cases, but this requires a separate legal process and is not automatic.