Suspended – Revoked License in Pennsylvania

Fines and Fees

Suspended license: $600 – $1,200 and up

Insurance

Insurance Increase – $316.80

Total policy increase – $950.40

Ticket Counsel Customers

Suspended license: $0 – $188

SUSPENDED LICENSE INFORMATION FOR PENNSYLVANIA

(SEE BELOW FOR COMMERCIAL DRIVER LICENSE (CDL) INFORMATION)

There is a difference between having your Pennsylvania driver’s license suspended and having it revoked.

A suspension means you cannot drive for a certain period of time, but can get your license back later.
A revocation of your license means your driver’s license is cancelled, and you will need to submit to an investigation before you can obtain another license.

Insurance companies keep a close watch on license suspensions / revocations. Your insurance premiums may go up drastically, and you may be labeled a “high-risk” customer. Even worse, your insurance company may cancel your policy, leaving you to search for insurance with the “high-risk” driver tag, meaning you’ll have to pay much higher premiums. It is recommended that you get in touch with a DUI/DWI lawyer as they are experts at handling such incidents and can offer you the best advice. Additionally, you will face Heavy Fines and Reinstatement Fees, and Points on your driver’s license! All this information can be found on our website. You could also contact Ticket Counsel absolutely FREE!!!

REASONS FOR DRIVER’S LICENSE SUSPENSIONS IN PENNSYLVANIA

There are a variety of reasons why your Pennsylvania driver’s license might be suspended. Some of these are related to specific driving violations, while others may be due to violation of other State laws. The duration of your driver’s license suspension will vary depending on your offense/violation. If you were convicted in court, you may also face additional court penalties, including fines and suspensions. The following are some of the most common reasons for a Pennsylvania driver’s license to be suspended or revoked.

Refusing to submit to a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) test.
Driving Under the Influence: Your Pennsylvania driver’s license will be suspended if you are found guilty of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. The length of the suspension will depend on the degree of intoxication and your previous driving record. There are 3 degrees of intoxication in Pennsylvania:
- General Impairment – 0.08% to 0.099% blood alcohol content (BAC). Periods of suspension up to 1 year, jail terms of up to 2 years and fines of up to $5,000. You may also be required to have an ignition alcohol lock fitted to your vehicle and be required to attend alcohol and drug treatment.
- High BAC – 0.10% to 0.159% BAC. Periods of suspension up to 18 months, jail terms of up to 5 years and fines of up to $10,000. You may also be required to have an ignition alcohol lock fitted to your vehicle and be required to attend alcohol and drug treatment.
- Highest BAC – 0.16% BAC and over. Periods of suspension up to 18 months, jail terms of up to 5 years and fines of up to $10,000. You may also be required to have an ignition alcohol lock fitted to your vehicle and be required to attend alcohol and drug treatment. In addition, you may be charged with a first-degree misdemeanor.
Excessive Moving Violations: The state of Pennsylvania operates on a point system, in which drivers accumulate points on their license for every moving violation they commit. License restrictions and fines vary according to how many and how often you accumulate points.
- The 1st time you exceed 6 points, you must pass a written exam regarding traffic safety. If you do not pass this test within 30 days, your license will be suspended until you do pass. When you pass, your points total will be reduced by 2 points.
- The 2nd time you exceed 6 points you must attend a Pennsylvania Department of Transport (DOT) hearing. Failure to attend will result in a mandatory 60-day suspension. At the hearing, an examiner will examine your driving record. Based on his/her decision, you will have your license suspended for 15 days and must pass an on-road driving test. If you pass this test within 30 days you will have your driving record reduced by 2 points.
- If you exceed 6 points, 3 or more times, you will have to attend a mandatory DOT hearing, at which an examiner will review your record and possibly impose a 30 day suspension. Failure to attend the hearing will result in license suspension until such time as you do attend.
- Exceeding 10 points will result in immediate suspension. The period of suspension will be determined by your previous suspension record – 1 previous suspension, 5 days per point; 2 previous suspensions, 10 days per point; 3 previous suspensions, 15 days per point; subsequent suspensions, 1 year suspension.
Driving without Insurance: All motor vehicles driven in Pennsylvania must be properly insured. Failure to provide proof of valid auto insurance can result in your license being suspended.
Driving with a Suspended License or No License: Driving with a suspended license will lead to an increase in the length of the suspension, and you may also be imprisoned for up to 5 years. The duration of the additional suspension varies depending on the reason for the underlying suspension. Your driver’s license may also be suspended if you do not have your license with you while you are driving.
Other Driving-Related Violations: Your Pennsylvania driver’s license may also be suspended if you engage in reckless driving, are found to be at fault in a fatal accident, or if you abandon your vehicle on a public highway.
Physical or Psychological Disqualification: The DOT can order a re-examination of any person who may not be fit to drive. An individual’s driving privileges may be suspended if the re-examination finds they are physically or psychologically unable to drive safely.
Non-Driving Reasons for License Suspension: A variety of non-driving violations or issues can result in your license being suspended. These include: not responding to a DOT notice or not appearing in court; failing to pay traffic tickets, fines or surcharges; and not paying child support.
Failure to Stop for a School Bus: Your license will be suspended if you fail to stop for a school bus with flashing red lights.
Excessive Speed: Your license will be suspended if you drive at 31 mph or more over the posted speed limit and fail to appear at the subsequent mandatory hearing.

For information about your specific driver’s license suspension, use the Online Driver Services system or contact PennDOT by phone: within Pennsylvania: (800) 932-4600. Out of state: (717) 412-5300.

ACTIONS TO TAKE IF YOUR PENNSYLVANIA DRIVER’S LICENSE IS SUSPENDED

Having your Pennsylvania driver’s license suspended is a serious matter and it is essential to adhere to State law in the event that your license is suspended. PennDOT will notify you when your license has been suspended. You must then surrender it to the Pennsylvania Department of Transport by mail or handing it in to:

PennDOT

Bureau of Driver Licensing

PO Box 68693

Harrisburg, PA 17106-8693

You will also need to include a completed Acknowledgment Form for the suspension/revocation. If you believe your license may be suspended due to one of the reasons listed above it is prudent to speak with a traffic ticket lawyer or a DUI-DWI lawyer.

CHECK YOUR DRIVER’S LICENSE STATUS

Convictions, license suspensions, and revocations will show up on your 3-year and 5-year driving records. You may be able to dismiss traffic tickets and remove points from your driving record by completing an online defensive driving course. Because your driving record can affect your auto insurance rates and even your employment, it’s crucial that you make sure your information is accurate.

PENNSYLVANIA SUSPENSION HEARINGS & APPEALS

While you cannot request an administrative hearing to contest your suspended license, you may request a Pennsylvania DMV hearing to:

Request credit for time served on your suspension.
Review/update your driving record.
Request credit for an ignition interlock order.
Appeal DOT decisions regarding your eligibility for a restricted license.

To request a Pennsylvania DOT administrative hearing, you will need:

To write a letter that includes: your name, driver’s license number, and date of birth. As well as a statement of facts for your case, legal issues that support your appeal, your mailing address and phone number, your signature and your lawyer’s signature, if applicable and any documents that led to your request/appeal.
Payment for the filing fee.

For more information on requesting a hearing, including the cost, what documents you need, and where you need to send them to, read the Driver Licensing Administrative Hearings fact sheet.

NOTE: To contest a suspended license resulting from a court conviction, you must contact the court that issued your suspension.

In addition, drivers whose license may be suspended due to accumulating excessive points may be eligible to enroll in a Driver Improvement Program. Completing a Driver Improvement Program may remove points from the current driving record, and in some cases can enable an individual to avoid having his license suspended.

You may be eligible to obtain either a probationary license, which will allow you to drive between the hours of 6:00am and 7:00pm, or under certain circumstances an occupational limited license (see below). To apply for a probationary license, you need to complete a probationary license petition and pay the $85.25 fee. If your application fails, $25 of that fee is non-refundable. For an occupational limited license, you need to complete form DL-15 and submit it together with the $50 fee and proof of insurance. The Bureau of Driver Licensing will advise you within 20 days if your application has been successful. It is also a good idea to seek the advice of a traffic ticket lawyer or a DUI-DWI lawyer, based on the reason for the suspension.

OBTAIN A RESTRICTED PENNSYLVANIA LICENSE

In Pennsylvania, you may be able to apply for a restricted license to use while your drivers license is suspended. The PennDOT will review your request and either: mail you a denial notice, or approve your request and instruct you to visit your local PA DMV office.

NOTE: Restricted license petition/application fees are non-refundable.

Occupational Limited License:

Depending on the reason for your suspended license, you may be eligible for an Occupational Limited License (OLL), which allows you to drive to and from authorized locations. You are not eligible for an OLL if your license has been suspended for reasons including:

Passing a school bus.
Racing or reckless driving.
Driving without headlights.
Hit and runs.
DUI offenses, if you haven’t served the minimum suspension.

For more information on OLL eligibility, please refer to the Occupational Limited License (OLL) Petition.

To apply for an Occupational Restricted License:

Complete an Occupational Limited License (OLL) Petition (Form DL-15). You must have paid all court fees and fines.
Send the application and payment by certified mail to the address listed (See “Suspended/Restricted License Fees” below.)

Probationary License:

If your driver’s license has been suspended for 5 years or longer, you may be eligible for a Probationary License, which allows you to drive between 6 a.m. and 7 p.m. To apply for a probationary driver’s license:

Complete a Probationary License (PL) Petition (Form DL-20).
Mail your application and payment to the address below. (See “Suspended/Restricted License Fees” below.)

In both cases above, you should send your application to:

PennDOT

Bureau of Driver Licensing

OLL/PL Unit

P.O. Box 68689

Harrisburg, PA 17106-8689

REINSTATE YOUR PENNSYLVANIA DRIVER’S LICENSE

Once your suspension has expired, you can resume driving, provided you show proof of insurance and have paid any outstanding fees. Regardless of how many points you had on your license prior to suspension, the total on your driver record will be set to 5.

Your reinstatement requirements will vary depending on the reason for your driver’s license suspension. The Pennsylvania DMV provides restoration requirement letters that explain the steps to reinstate your driver’s license. To obtain your restoration letter, you can either visit the PA DOT website and enter your driver’s license number, date of birth and Social Security number (SSN) or call the PennDOT: within PA: (800) 932-4600. Out of state: (717) 412-5300.

If you don’t request a restoration requirements letter online or by phone, the PennDOT will mail you one about 30 days before your suspension period is over. You may be eligible to pay your reinstatement fees online using the Online Driver Services system.

PENNSYLVANIA SUSPENDED AND RESTRICTED LICENSE FEES

Your driver’s license reinstatement fees will vary depending on the reason for your suspension.

Restricted License Fees:

Probationary license (PL): $88.75.
PL renewal: $63.75.
Occupational limited license (OLL): $50.
OLL extension: $13.50.
OLL extension (with motorcycle endorsement): $18.50.

Acceptable Forms of Payment:

In person/by mail: Check or money order payable to “PA Department of Transportation”.
Online: VISA, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover credit/debit card.

COMMERCIAL DRIVER LICENSE (CDL) SUSPENSIONS IN PENNSYLVANIA

CDL’s are suspended more easily than standard licenses. This is because commercial drivers are held to very high standards. Your Pennsylvania commercial drivers license (CDL) can be suspended whether you violate traffic laws or commit crimes in Pennsylvania or out of state. Additionally, your CDL may be disqualified for violations committed in both commercial and non-commercial vehicles. The duration of your Pennsylvania commercial driver’s license disqualification will vary depending on your offense. Depending on your offense, you may face both state and federal suspensions and charges. Your CDL may be disqualified/suspended for violations including:

Reckless driving and
Violating out-of-service
Committing serious traffic offenses.
1 year for a 1st violation of a major offense, such as:
A DUI (BAC of 0.04% or higher) or drug-related offense.
Refusing to submit to a BAC test.
Hit and runs and leaving the scene of a truck accident.
Using a vehicle in a felony.
3 years for a 1st violation of a major offense while transporting hazardous materials.
For life for a 2nd violation of a major offense.
60 to 120 days for multiple serious traffic violations within 3 years.
60 to 120 days for railroad highway grade crossing violations.

NOTE: Depending on the circumstances of your violation, you may also face court penalties and fines in addition to any PennDOT penalties. For more information about your disqualification, contact the PA DMV:

Within Pennsylvania: (800) 932-4600. TDD: (800) 228-0676.
Out of state: (717) 412-5300. TDD: (717) 412-5380.

Within 30 days of any conviction for a traffic offense, you must notify your employer.

If your CDL is suspended, disqualified, revoked, or cancelled, you must notify your employer by the end of the next business day after you receive your disqualification notice.

NOTE: By law, you are required to notify your employer within 30 days of receiving a traffic offense conviction or by the end of the next business day after receiving a CDL disqualification notice.

CHECK YOUR COMMERCIAL DRIVER’S LICENSE STATUS

PENNSYLVANIA CDL SUSPENSION HEARINGS & APPEALS

While you cannot request an administrative hearing to contest your disqualified/suspended CDL, you may request a PA DOT hearing to:

Request credit for time served on your suspension/disqualification.
Review/update your driving record.
Request credit for an ignition interlock order.
Appeal DOT decisions regarding your eligibility for a restricted license.

To request an administrative hearing, you will need:

To write a letter that includes:
Your name, commercial driver’s license number, and date of birth.
A statement of facts for your case.
Legal information that supports your appeal.
Your mailing address and phone number.
Your signature and your lawyer’s signature, if applicable.
Any documents that relate to your request/appeal.
Payment for the filing fee.

Mail the above to the Secretary of Transportation. For more information, including the filing fee and address to mail your document to, see the Administrative Hearings Fact Sheet.

NOTE: To contest a CDL suspension resulting from a criminal court decision, you must contact the court that served your disqualification. PA DOT administrative hearings have no effect on court decisions.

REINSTATE YOUR PENNSYLVANIA CDL

Your reinstatement requirements will vary depending on the reason for your disqualification and whether or not your non-commercial driving privileges are also suspended. The Pennsylvania DMV provides restoration requirement letters that explain the steps to reinstate your CDL. To obtain your restoration letter: visit the PA DOT website and enter your driver license number, date of birth and Social Security number (SSN), or call: Within Pennsylvania: (800) 932-4600. Out of state: (717) 412-5300. If you don’t request a your reinstatement requirement letter online or by phone, the PennDOT will mail one to you about 30 days before your suspension/disqualification period ends.

To reinstate your CDL, you may need to:

Submit clearance documents to the PennDOT.
Satisfy any court requirements, if applicable.
Retake the commercial driving skills and knowledge tests, if necessary.
Pay reinstatement fees. (See “Fees to Reinstate Your PA CDL” below.) You may be able to pay your pay your reinstatement fees online.

FEES TO REINSTATE YOUR PENNSYLVANIA CDL

Your CDL reinstatement fees will vary depending on the reason for your disqualification/suspension.

For information about your reinstatement fees/requirements, you can either refer to your reinstatement requirement notice, visit the PennDOT website and enter your driver’s license number, date of birth, and social security number or call the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation to request a copy of your reinstatement requirements: within Pennsylvania: (800) 932-4600. Out of state: (717) 412-5300.