Driving with a suspended license in New Brunswick is a criminal offense that carries fines, jail time, and a longer suspension
If your license is suspended in New Brunswick and you drive anyway, you face charges under the Motor Vehicle Act. The consequences are when ready and serious: fines starting at $500 for a first offense, possible jail time up to six months, and an automatic extension of your suspension. A conviction also goes on your driving record permanently, which affects insurance rates and future license renewal.
The province does not distinguish between "not knowing" your license was suspended and knowingly driving on it — the offense is driving while suspended, period. Police can stop you for any traffic violation and discover the suspension through their system. Even a minor infraction like a broken taillight can result in an arrest.
If you received a suspension notice and are unsure whether it is currently active, you can check your status through Service New Brunswick before you drive. Driving is not worth the risk once a suspension is in place.
Key Takeaways
- Driving with a suspended license in New Brunswick is a criminal offense with fines of at least $500 and possible jail time up to six months on a first offense.
- Your suspension is automatically extended when you are convicted of driving while suspended, meaning you lose more time before you can legally drive again.
- A conviction for this offense appears on your permanent driving record and will increase your insurance premiums when you eventually get your license back.
- You can check whether your license is currently suspended by contacting Service New Brunswick or checking the online driver record system before you drive.
Why your license was suspended in the first place
New Brunswick suspends licenses for several reasons, and understanding which one applies to you matters because it affects how you get the suspension lifted. The most common causes are unpaid traffic fines, failure to pay a court-ordered fine, accumulation of demerit points (usually 15 or more), failure to appear in court, or failure to pay child support or spousal support ordered by a court.
Some suspensions are automatic — for instance, if you accumulate 15 demerit points, your license is suspended without a separate notice. Others require a court order or a decision by the Registrar of Motor Vehicles. You should have received written notice of the suspension, but if you did not, that does not make the suspension invalid.
If you are unsure why your license was suspended, contact Service New Brunswick or the Motor Vehicle Branch. They can tell you the reason and what you need to do to have it lifted. This information is essential before you attempt to drive again.
The penalties for a first offense
A first conviction for driving with a suspended license in New Brunswick carries a mandatory minimum fine of $500. The maximum fine is $2,000, and the court can impose jail time up to six months, or both. The court has discretion within that range, so the actual penalty depends on the circumstances — whether you caused an accident, whether you have prior convictions, and how long your license had been suspended.
Beyond the fine and possible jail time, your license suspension is automatically extended. The length of the extension varies, but it is typically an additional 12 months added to your original suspension period. This means if you were originally suspended for six months and you are convicted of driving while suspended, you may now face an 18-month total suspension.
You will also be responsible for court costs and any victim surcharge ordered by the judge. These additional costs can range from $100 to $300 depending on the court and the case.
Repeat offenses carry much steeper consequences
If you have been convicted of driving with a suspended license before, a second offense carries a minimum fine of $1,000 and a maximum of $3,000. Jail time can be up to one year. A third or subsequent offense carries a minimum fine of $2,000 and a maximum of $5,000, with jail time up to 18 months.
Each conviction also adds demerit points to your record — 10 points for driving with a suspended license — which can trigger another suspension if you accumulate enough points. This creates a cycle where one violation leads to another suspension, which leads to another violation.
If you have a prior conviction for this offense, you should not drive while suspended under any circumstances. The financial and legal consequences compound quickly, and a jail sentence becomes increasingly likely.
How to check your suspension status before driving
You can check whether your license is currently suspended through Service New Brunswick's online driver record system or by calling the Motor Vehicle Branch directly. The online system is available 24 hours and gives you an when ready answer. You will need your driver's license number and date of birth.
If you prefer to call, the Motor Vehicle Branch can confirm your status over the phone. Their hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Atlantic Time. Have your license number ready when you call.
If your license is suspended, do not drive. Use this time to address the reason for the suspension — pay outstanding fines, attend court if required, or complete any other condition the Registrar has set. Once you have resolved the underlying issue, you can begin the process of having your license reinstated.
Getting your license back after a suspension
The process for reinstatement depends on why your license was suspended. If it was suspended for unpaid fines, you must pay those fines in full. If it was suspended for demerit points, you must wait out the suspension period (usually 12 months) and then explore for reinstatement. If it was suspended for failure to appear in court, you must resolve that court matter first.
Once the underlying reason is resolved, you submit a reinstatement request to the Motor Vehicle Branch. There is a reinstatement fee of approximately $75 to $150, depending on the type of suspension. You may also be required to pass a written knowledge test or a road test, particularly if your suspension was for demerit points or a serious violation.
Reinstatement is not automatic. The Registrar reviews your request and decides whether to restore your license. If you have multiple suspensions or a history of violations, reinstatement may be delayed or conditional (for example, you might be required to install an ignition interlock device if your suspension involved impaired driving).
What to do if you are stopped by police
If a police officer stops you and discovers your license is suspended, you will be charged on the spot. Do not argue or try to explain — anything you say can be used as evidence. Provide your license, vehicle registration, and proof of insurance as requested. If you are arrested, you have the right to remain silent and the right to speak with a lawyer.
Ask the officer for a copy of the charge and the court date. You will receive a summons in the mail with the details of your court appearance. Attend that court date — failure to appear results in an additional charge and a warrant for your arrest.
Before your court date, consider consulting with a lawyer who handles traffic and criminal matters. They can review the circumstances of your stop, advise you on your options, and potentially negotiate with the Crown prosecutor. In some cases, charges may be reduced or withdrawn if there are procedural issues with how the stop was conducted.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive to work if my license is suspended?
No. There is no exception for driving to work, to medical appointments, or for any other reason. A suspended license means you cannot legally operate a motor vehicle on any road in New Brunswick, period. If you need to get to work, you must use public transit, arrange a ride, or take a taxi.
What if I did not know my license was suspended?
Lack of knowledge is not a defense. The law holds you responsible for knowing the status of your license. If you received a suspension notice and did not read it, or if you moved and did not update your address with Service New Brunswick, that is still your responsibility. Check your status before you drive.
Will a conviction for driving while suspended show up on a background check?
Yes. A criminal conviction for driving with a suspended license appears on your criminal record and will show up on background checks for employment, housing, and professional licensing. It is a permanent part of your record unless you later receive a pardon from the National Parole Board.
Can I get a conditional license while my suspension is in effect?
In rare cases, the Registrar may issue a conditional or restricted license that allows you to drive only for specific purposes (such as work or medical treatment) during a suspension period. You must request this in writing and demonstrate genuine hardship. Approval is not may provide, and you must follow the conditions exactly — driving outside the permitted times or routes is a violation.
What happens if I am convicted and cannot pay the fine?
Tell the judge at your court appearance that you cannot pay the full fine. The court may allow you to pay in installments, reduce the fine, or order community service in lieu of a fine. Do not ignore the fine or fail to make payments — that can result in additional charges and further suspension.