The officer will likely issue a citation and may impound your vehicle
When a police officer pulls you over and discovers your license is suspended, the encounter follows a standard sequence. The officer runs your license through the state database, sees the suspension status, and typically issues you a citation for driving with a suspended license. This is a separate charge from whatever prompted the stop in the first place.
What happens next depends on why your license was suspended and the laws in your state. In most states, the officer can impound your vehicle on the spot, meaning it gets towed to a lot and you cannot retrieve it without paying towing and storage fees. Some states allow the officer to release the vehicle to a licensed driver who is present at the scene, but this is not may provide.
You will be given a ticket with a court date or a notice to appear. This is not optional — failing to show up creates additional charges. The ticket will list the violation, the fine amount (which varies by state), and your options for responding.
Key Takeaways
- An officer will issue a citation for driving with a suspended license, and your vehicle may be impounded when ready.
- The fine for this violation ranges depending on your state and whether it is your first or repeat offense.
- You must appear in court on the date listed on your ticket or request a continuance in writing before that date.
- Paying the fine does not automatically restore your license — you must complete whatever requirement caused the suspension in the first place.
- If your license was suspended for unpaid fines or child support, the court may hold you in contempt if you cannot pay when ready.
Why your license was suspended matters for what happens next
License suspensions fall into a few categories, and the reason matters because it determines what you have to do to get it back. The most common reasons are unpaid traffic fines, failure to pay child support, accumulation of too many points from traffic violations, or a DUI conviction. Some states also suspend licenses for unpaid medical bills or failure to maintain car insurance.
If your suspension is for unpaid fines or child support, the officer may ask if you can pay on the spot. You are not required to, but if you cannot and the court later determines you have the means to pay, you could face contempt charges. If your suspension is for points or a DUI, payment alone will not restore your license — you will need to complete a driver safety course, attend a DUI education program, or wait out a mandatory suspension period.
When you go to court, bring documentation showing you have addressed the original reason for suspension. If you have paid outstanding fines, bring proof. If you completed a required course, bring the certificate. If you are still working on it, tell the judge and ask for a continuance so you can finish before your next court date.
Vehicle impound: what it costs and how to get your car back
If the officer impounded your vehicle, you cannot straightforward go pick it up. The car goes to a tow lot, and you will owe towing fees (typically $150 to $300) plus daily storage fees (usually $20 to $50 per day). Some states allow you to retrieve the vehicle when ready if you show proof that your license has been reinstated, but most require you to wait until the court case is resolved.
To find out where your car was taken, ask the officer before you leave or call the police department's non-emergency line. The tow lot will give you a receipt with the amount owed. Write down the lot's name, phone number, and the total cost. If you cannot afford to pay when ready, some lots offer payment plans, though this is not standard.
Once your license is reinstated, you can retrieve the vehicle by paying the towing and storage fees. Bring your ID and proof of vehicle ownership. If someone else is picking up the car, they will need a signed note from you authorizing them to do so, plus their ID and a copy of your ID.
How to respond to the citation in court
You have three basic options when you receive a citation: pay the fine, request a court date to contest it, or request a continuance to give yourself time to address the underlying suspension. Most people in this situation choose the third option because it buys time to get their license reinstated before facing the judge.
To request a continuance, contact the court listed on your ticket in writing or by phone before your court date. Explain that you are working to reinstate your license and ask for a later date. Courts usually grant one continuance without requiring you to appear. Use that time to find out exactly what you need to do to lift the suspension — call your state's Department of Motor Vehicles and ask what steps are required.
If you decide to contest the citation, you are arguing that the officer made an error, not that you were not driving. This is a difficult defense because your license status is a matter of public record the officer can verify when ready. Most people who contest end up paying anyway, so weigh the cost of taking time off work against the fine amount.
Getting your license reinstated before your court date
The fastest way to improve your situation is to reinstate your license before you go to court. Call your state's Department of Motor Vehicles and ask what is required. The answer depends on the reason for suspension.
If suspension was for unpaid fines, you will need to pay them. If it was for unpaid child support, you will need to contact the child support enforcement office in your state and make a payment or arrange a payment plan. If it was for points or a DUI, you will need to complete whatever course or program is required, then submit proof to the DMV. Some states charge a reinstatement fee on top of this, usually $50 to $200.
Once you have completed the requirements, the DMV will reinstate your license, usually within a few business days. Bring this proof to court — it shows the judge you took the matter seriously and have already corrected the problem. This often results in a reduced fine or dismissal of the charge.
Repeat offenses and harsher penalties
If this is not your first time driving on a suspended license, penalties increase. A second offense within a certain period (usually five to ten years, depending on your state) can result in a higher fine, jail time of up to 30 days, or both. A third offense can mean up to 90 days in jail and fines exceeding $1,000.
If you have prior convictions for this offense, tell your lawyer or public defender when ready. They may be able to negotiate a plea deal that reduces the charge or the sentence. Do not assume the court will not find out — the officer's report will include your driving history.
What to do if you cannot afford the fine or towing fees
If you cannot pay the fine, tell the judge. Many courts offer payment plans that let you pay in installments over several months. Some courts will reduce the fine if you demonstrate financial hardship. Bring documentation: recent pay stubs, proof of benefits, rent or mortgage statements, or medical bills.
For towing and storage fees, call the lot and ask about payment plans. Some will work with you if you explain the situation. If the fees are extremely high relative to the vehicle's value, you may decide it is cheaper to let the lot sell the vehicle at auction, though this will damage your credit and you may still owe the difference if the sale price does not cover the fees.
If you cannot afford a lawyer, ask the court for a public defender at your first appearance. You will need to fill out a financial statement showing your income and expenses. Public defenders handle these cases regularly and know the local judges and prosecutors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the officer search my car if my license is suspended?
The suspension itself does not give the officer the right to search your vehicle. They can only search if they have a warrant, if they see something illegal in plain view, or if they have another legal reason. The fact that you were driving on a suspended license does not change the rules about searches.
What if I did not know my license was suspended?
Lack of knowledge is not a defense in most states. The DMV sends notices to the address on file, and you are responsible for keeping that address current. If you moved and did not update it, that is still your responsibility. However, if you can show the notice was never delivered, some judges will consider this when deciding on penalties.
Will this affect my insurance rates?
Yes. A conviction for driving with a suspended license is a serious violation that insurers view as high-risk behavior. Your rates will likely increase significantly, and some insurers may drop you entirely. You may have to switch to a high-risk insurance company, which charges much higher premiums.
Can I get the impound fee waived?
Some courts will waive or reduce impound fees if you can show financial hardship or if the officer made an error in impounding the vehicle. This is rare, but it is worth asking the judge. Bring documentation of your financial situation and explain why the fee would cause you genuine hardship.
What happens if I ignore the ticket and do not go to court?
Failing to appear will result in an additional charge for failure to appear, which is often more serious than the original violation. A warrant may be issued for your arrest. Your license will remain suspended, and you may face additional fines. Do not ignore the ticket.