hire a lawyer for your teenage trouble maker

Getting and keeping your driving privileges is a challenging feat. Not only do you have to go through all the testing to get them, but there are numerous rules you must follow to keep them. If you lose your license, it is essential to know if it has been suspended or revoked. While some people use these terms interchangeably, they are different. What is the difference, and how do you apply for your license reinstatement? Read on for a few tips.

Why Would My License Be Suspended?

The reasons for license suspensions can vary by state. Many states have the following reasons in common.

• Driving while intoxicated (DWI)
• Driving under the influence (DUI)
• Driving without auto insurance
• Failing to pay child support
• Failing to show up for court
• Failing to pay court-ordered fines
• Excessive traffic points
• Excessive speeding
• Vehicular felonies

These are just a few. You may receive a suspension immediately as they are in the case of a DUI or following a court hearing or procedure. When you receive a suspension, you lose them for a specific period. Once this period is over and you resolve the issue that caused you to lose them, you will be able to drive again.

Why Would My License Be Revoked?

You can have your driver's license revoked for some of the same reasons you receive a suspension. Revocation often occurs due to repeated offenses or offenses when your license is suspended. Some additional reasons may include the following:

• Reckless driving
• Leaving the scene of an accident
• Using a vehicle in the commission of a felony
• Failing to respond to a traffic ticket
• Fleeing/eluding an officer
• Underage driving under the influence
• Refusing to take a breathalyzer test when underaged
• Drag racing
• Negligent homicide

While suspensions usually are time-limited, revocations are the total loss of your driving privileges.

Depending on your offenses, you may or may not qualify for driver's license reinstatement in the future. But if you are eligible for reinstatement, you must go back through all the testing just like you have never had driving privileges before. 

Reinstatement from both a suspension or revocation can sometimes be a complicated process. If you do not understand the process, you can risk not driving longer than necessary.

Hire an attorney who works in driver's license reinstatement as soon as you know you face losing yours. Your attorney will argue your case to try to avoid this, but if that's not possible, they will walk you through the process of getting them back.