What an FTS suspension is and how it gets lifted
An FTS suspension — Failure to Stop for Police — is a license suspension that takes effect when you don't pull over for a marked police vehicle with lights and sirens activated. The suspension is automatic in most states; you don't have to be convicted of anything for it to happen. Your license gets suspended the moment the officer files the report, and it stays suspended until you complete specific steps to have it removed.
The path to lifting an FTS suspension depends on what happened during and after the stop. If you were eventually stopped and charged, you'll need to resolve that charge first — usually through the court system. If you were never caught, the suspension still applies, but the steps to lift it differ. Either way, the suspension won't disappear on its own, and driving on a suspended license carries serious penalties including fines, jail time, and a longer suspension.
Key Takeaways
- An FTS suspension takes effect when ready after an officer files a report and is separate from any criminal charge you may face.
- If you were charged with FTS, you must resolve the charge in court before the suspension can be lifted.
- If you were never stopped, you can petition the court or your state's DMV to lift the suspension, but you'll need to show why you didn't stop.
- Reinstating your license after the suspension is lifted usually requires paying a reinstatement fee and passing a written test.
- Driving on a suspended license while an FTS case is pending can result in additional charges and a longer suspension period.
How FTS suspensions are triggered and recorded
When a police officer initiates a traffic stop and you don't pull over, the officer documents the incident in a report. That report is sent to your state's Department of Motor Vehicles or equivalent licensing authority. The DMV doesn't wait for a court decision — it processes the suspension based on the officer's report alone. You'll receive a notice of suspension by mail, usually within two to four weeks, though timing varies by state.
The suspension notice will include the effective date, the reason (FTS), and instructions for what you need to do next. Some states include information about your right to a hearing; others require you to request one separately. The notice is your proof that the suspension is in effect, and you'll need it if you're stopped by police or if you want to challenge the suspension.
Resolving an FTS charge in court
If you were eventually stopped and charged with Failure to Stop for Police, the charge must be resolved in court before your license suspension can be lifted. This is true even if you plan to plead guilty or no contest. The court has authority over the criminal charge; the DMV has authority over the license suspension. Both must act.
Your options in court typically include pleading guilty, pleading no contest, or going to trial. If you plead guilty or no contest, you'll be convicted, and the court will notify the DMV. If you go to trial and are found not guilty, the DMV must lift the suspension. If you're convicted, the suspension usually remains in place for a set period — often six months to one year — regardless of the court outcome. Some judges have discretion to recommend early reinstatement, but that's not may provide.
If you cannot afford an attorney, you can request a public defender at your first court appearance. The charge itself — Failure to Stop — is usually a misdemeanor, though it can be elevated to a felony if you caused an accident or endangered someone during the stop.
Petitioning to lift the suspension if you were never caught
If you were never stopped after the initial incident, you can petition the court or your state's DMV to lift the suspension. This is not a may provide, and the outcome depends on your state's laws and the specific circumstances. Some states allow you to petition when ready; others require you to wait a certain period or show that the officer's report was inaccurate.
To petition, you'll file a formal request with the court that has jurisdiction over traffic matters in your county, or directly with the DMV if your state allows it. You'll need to explain why you didn't stop — for example, you didn't see the lights and sirens, you were heading to an emergency, or you were in an unsafe location. straightforward saying you didn't know it was a police officer is rarely accepted as a valid reason.
The burden is on you to show that the suspension should be lifted. You may need to provide evidence — dashcam footage, witness statements, or documentation of an emergency. If the court or DMV denies your petition, you can usually appeal, but that process varies by state and often requires an attorney.
Reinstatement fees and license renewal after suspension ends
Once your FTS charge is resolved or your petition is granted, the suspension is lifted, but your license is not automatically restored. You must take action with your state's DMV to reinstate it. Most states charge a reinstatement fee, which ranges widely depending on the state and the reason for suspension. Some states charge a flat fee; others charge based on how long the suspension lasted.
You'll also need to pass a written knowledge test — the same test you took to get your license originally, or a shorter version focused on traffic laws. Some states waive the test if your suspension was recent and short. You may also need to provide proof of insurance and pay any outstanding traffic fines or court costs.
The reinstatement process can usually be completed at your local DMV office or online, depending on your state. Once you've paid the fee, passed the test, and submitted any required documents, your license will be restored. You'll receive a new license card in the mail or can pick one up when ready at the DMV office.
Driving on a suspended license while an FTS case is pending
Driving with a suspended license is illegal and carries serious consequences. If you're stopped by police while your FTS suspension is in effect, you'll face an additional charge — Driving with a Suspended License — on top of the original FTS charge. This second charge can result in fines, jail time, and an extension of your suspension.
Some states allow a "hardship license" or "work permit" that lets you drive to work, school, or medical appointments while your suspension is in effect. To get one, you'll need to petition the court or DMV and show that the suspension causes genuine hardship. Approval is not may provide, and the permit is limited to specific routes and times. If you're caught driving outside those limits, you'll face additional charges.
State-by-state differences in FTS suspension rules
FTS suspension laws vary significantly by state. Some states suspend your license when ready upon the officer's report; others wait for a court conviction. Some states lift the suspension automatically after a set period if you're not convicted; others require you to petition for removal. A few states don't use FTS suspensions at all, instead handling the matter purely through the court system.
The length of the suspension also varies. Some states suspend for six months; others for one year or longer. Some allow early reinstatement if you complete a defensive driving course or meet other conditions. Your state's DMV website will have the specific rules for your state, and your suspension notice should reference the relevant statute.
If you've moved to a different state since the suspension was issued, the suspension may still follow you. Most states share license suspension information through the National Driver Register. You'll need to resolve the suspension in the state where it was issued, even if you now live elsewhere.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a hardship license while my FTS suspension is in effect?
Many states allow hardship licenses for work, school, or medical appointments, but you must petition the court or DMV and prove genuine hardship. Approval is not automatic, and the license is restricted to specific routes and times. Driving outside those limits results in additional charges.
What happens if I ignore the FTS suspension notice?
Ignoring the notice doesn't make the suspension go away. If you're stopped by police, you'll be charged with Driving with a Suspended License in addition to the original FTS charge. Both charges carry fines and possible jail time, and your suspension will be extended.
Do I need an attorney to fight an FTS charge?
You have the right to represent yourself, but an attorney can help you understand your options and present evidence to the court. If you can't afford one, you can request a public defender at your first court appearance. The decision to hire an attorney depends on the specifics of your case and your state's laws.
How long does it take to lift an FTS suspension after my charge is resolved?
The court notifies the DMV of the resolution, but processing times vary by state — usually two to four weeks. Once the DMV lifts the suspension, you still need to complete reinstatement steps (paying fees, passing a test) before your license is fully restored. That process typically takes one to two weeks.
Will an FTS suspension show up on my driving record?
Yes. The suspension and any resulting charges will appear on your driving record. This affects your insurance rates and may impact future employment, especially for jobs requiring a clean driving record. The record typically stays for three to seven years, depending on your state.