Life in Dallas rarely slows down, and losing your license can disrupt everything from getting to work to caring for family. Some drivers risk getting back on the road without realizing the serious consequences that can result. At The Law Firm Of Aaron A. Herbert, P.C., we help Texans facing charges for driving with suspended license in Texas understand their rights, avoid harsh penalties, and move toward reinstatement the right way.
What Is a Suspended License?
A suspended driver’s license means the driver lawfully cannot operate his or her motor vehicle until driver’s license reinstatement. Some license suspensions are definite while others are indefinite. Definite suspensions have set timeframes, at the end of which the driver will be able to pay for reinstatement and start driving again. Indefinite suspensions can last as long as is necessary for the driver to complete the required actions, such as passing a safety course or satisfying a judgment. In Texas, the Department of Public Safety may suspend a driver’s license for committing traffic infractions or crimes while operating a motor vehicle. Common reasons for license suspensions are excessive speeding, racing, drunk driving, reckless driving, red-light running, causing an accident and accumulating too many points on a driver’s record. Driving without insurance at the time of a car accident could also lead to license suspension under the Texas Safety Responsibility Act, as can causing an accident that results in personal injuries, deaths or more than $1,000 in property damages. If the state suspends your driver’s license, it will notify you by mail to the address on record. It will explain the reason for the suspension, in most cases, and provide the option for a hearing. If you wish to schedule a hearing, you have 20 days from receiving the notice to do so. You may be able to argue the suspension at a hearing, with or without help from a traffic violation attorney. Reinstating your driver’s license after suspension takes fulfilling all the requirements and paying a $100 fee. Contact Us NowWhy your driver’s license could be suspended?
Texas DPS can suspend or revoke driving privileges for several reasons, involving safety, compliance, or legal violations. According to the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles, the most common causes include:- Medical conditions that make driving unsafe.
- Driving or boating under the influence of alcohol or drugs (DWI or BWI).
- Accumulating too many traffic violations.
- Operating a vehicle without insurance and being involved in an accident that results in injury, death, or property damage exceeding $1,000.
What Are the Penalties for Driving With a Suspended License?
Driving with a suspended license in Texas, also called Driving While License Invalid (DWLI), carries tiered penalties depending on the driver’s record, the circumstances of the stop, and whether an accident occurred. Under state law, the following consequences may apply:- First Offense (Class C Misdemeanor): Fine up to $500.
- With a Prior Conviction (Class B Misdemeanor): Jail up to 180 days and a fine up to $2,000.
- If Involved in a Crash or Lacking Insurance (Class A Misdemeanor): Jail up to one year and a fine up to $4,000.
- Administrative Consequences: The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) may impose an additional suspension period and require an SR-22 insurance certificate before reinstatement.
What If You Cause an Accident in Texas on a Suspended License?
Causing an accident while driving on a suspended license can lead to severe penalties. You may face criminal charges depending on the situation. In addition to a traffic citation and hefty fines, you could also face civil liability for causing an auto accident. Civil liability will not depend on whether you were driving on a suspended license, although the victim may be able to hold this against you to make you a less reliable witness. Instead, your liability will depend on whether you were negligent or reckless in causing the car accident. Proof of your fault for causing the crash could make you civilly liable for the victim’s damages. This will mean your auto insurance company must pay for the victim’s losses related to the crash, such as medical expenses and vehicle damages. Your insurance premiums will most likely increase if found guilty of causing an accident on a suspended license. Your insurance company may even drop you as a customer. You may also have to pay a significant amount more for SR-22 insurance – auto insurance for high-risk drivers. Hire a Dallas car accident attorney if you cause an accident while on a suspended license in Texas.What to do if you get caught driving with a suspended license?
When caught driving with a suspended license in Texas, remain calm, comply with the officer, and seek immediate legal representation. Attempting to argue or provide false information can add new criminal charges. After a citation or arrest, consider the following steps:- Verify the suspension reason. Review your license eligibility status through the DPS online portal.
- Stop driving until reinstatement. Additional offenses can result in mandatory jail time.
- Address outstanding surcharges or fines. Unpaid fees can delay reinstatement.
- Consult a Dallas attorney experienced in driving with suspended license in Texas cases. A lawyer can determine whether the suspension notice was issued correctly and explore options for early reinstatement.
- Request a hearing if necessary. Administrative errors sometimes cause unjust suspensions, and a hearing may resolve the issue.
How can I reinstate my license?
Drivers whose Texas license has been suspended, revoked, canceled, or denied should first confirm eligibility through the Texas Department of Public Safety’s License Eligibility webpage. This resource outlines compliance items and required fees. Reinstatement Fees- Fees can be paid online through the DPS License Eligibility page.
- Online payment is the fastest option, with processing generally completed within 24 to 48 hours.
- If no fees are due or fees have already been paid, remaining compliance documents must be submitted by mail, fax, or email (PDF format).
- Include full name, date of birth, driver’s license number, and a copy of the suspension notice if available.
- DPS generally processes these submissions within 21 business days.