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What You Need to Know About Texas Driving License Suspension
The State of Texas considers driving a privilege and not a right. If you break any traffic regulations, the Texas Department of Public Safety (TxDPS) punishes you by suspending your driving license. Losing the privilege could be a big blow, especially to you and your family.
For instance, tasks like taking your kids to school, going to the bank, or driving a family member to the hospital could become challenging. In such scenarios, there are procedures you need to follow to regain your driving privilege.
Let’s go through the procedure of regaining your license after it’s revoked. But before we get to that, it’s important that you know the reasons why TxDPS could cancel your driving permit.
Why Is My License Suspended in Texas?
In Texas, there are many ways you could lose your license. Here are some of them:
● The state might revoke the privilege if you are mentally ill. Sometimes, mental health problems come unexpectedly, leading to road accidents.
● Physical health conditions can also lead to cancellation. If a doctor declares you medically unfit to drive, your license is suspended until you regain the driving ability.
● If you display dangerous and illegal activities on the road, the state can revoke your driving permit, too. It could be theft, robbery, or any other crime.
● Texas authorities can render the permit null if you have committed four moving violations within 12 months. The legislation also applies to seven moving violations within 24 months.
● Crimes like driving under the influence (DUI) can also lead to your license cancellation. The regulation also applies to boat owners.
Read on to find out how long the state can keep your license suspended.
How Long Will a License in Texas Be Suspended?
The type of traffic offense you commit determines the period your license stays suspended. They include:
Moving Violation
If your driving privilege gets revoked for moving violations, it takes 30, 60, or 90 days to reinstate it. A court officer usually determines the length.
DUI (drivers over 21)
If you are more than 21 years and are caught driving while intoxicated, the court officer can suspend your driving permit for two years.
DUI (drivers under 21)
For drivers under 21 years, the TxDPS usually suspends their license for up to one year if caught driving under the influence. However, the department can sometimes extend the suspension by 180 days and/or 90 days if the driver fails to complete an Alcohol Education Program.
Alternatively, the court official may require the young driver to install an ignition interlock device that acts as a sentence. The gadget requires you to submit a breath sample once you get in your car. If the IID reads past the required level, the car is disabled so that you don’t drive while drunk.
Here is how you can get your privilege back.
How Do I Get My Suspended License Reinstated?
Typically, the State of Texas requires you to wait for the designated duration before getting your permit back. Additionally, they may demand that you pay specific fines and fulfill any other associated requirements.
Here are non-driving reasons that might lead to the cancellation of your driving privilege.
Non-driving Related Reasons for a License Suspension
Your license can be suspended for non-driving reasons too. For instance, the Department of Public safety can revoke your license for up to 180 days if you are under 21 years and are caught committing the following crimes:
● Buying alcohol
● Being a drug convict
● Being in possession of alcohol
● Alcohol intoxication
To avoid such hurdles, obey the law and drive safely. You might be wondering how long a suspended license stays on your record in Texas. Keep reading to find out.
The Period a Suspended License Stays on Your Record in Texas
Normally, the conviction remains on your record for three years if you are convicted of driving under the influence of alcohol. However, it’s unlikely for driving while impaired (DWI) conviction to be expunged (removed) in Texas. As a result, every time someone runs a background check on you, the conviction shows up.
It means that the conviction might affect your reputation when looking for a job, renting an apartment, or living in specific neighborhoods, especially those run by homeowner’s associations. So, what happens if you drive while under suspension?
Driving on a Suspended License
It’s unlikely that you’ll pass a background check to operate an Uber or Lyft if you are within seven years of your DWI conviction. Even if you pay all the fines, the State of Texas demands you wait for seven years before you start driving again.
If you fail to abide by the above regulations, it can lengthen your suspension period. Additionally, you can incur more charges in fines and wasted time in the legal process.
Here is how to know if your driving privilege is revoked.
Check Online for Information About Your Driver’s License
Once you are suspended from driving, TxDPS notifies you through the mail. However, if you fail to get the notification or aren’t sure if the suspension is over, you can visit its online eligibility database, email or call TxDPS to know your license’s status.
Get Help From the Right DWI Defense Attorney Under certain circumstances, you can weigh your options and request a hearing to regain your driving privilege. In such scenarios, it is best to hire an experienced attorney to represent you. A reputable DWI lawyer may help you reclaim your driving privilege. Alternatively, they can help you get an occupational license that permits driving under specific circumstances, such as school or work.
