Owning a driver’s license is a right and a privilege that some people seem to take for granted in Nashville, Illinois. When you have legal issues that result in your driver’s license getting suspended or revoked, it helps if you know the difference between the two consequences. This is a serious matter that can have life-altering and long-lasting effects on your life.
Common reasons for suspension
A driver’s license suspension is the lighter of the two penalties. It is a temporary action that prevents you from legally driving any vehicle while it is in effect. There are several reasons why a judge may rule to suspend your license, including unpaid parking tickets and driving fees, unpaid child support fines, a first-time driving-while-under-the-influence conviction, minor drug crimes and minor traffic offenses.
A suspension is often for a set time frame. After the time for suspension has lapsed, your driving privileges are eligible for restoration. However, to have them fully restored, you will need to satisfy any outstanding obligations related to the situation that resulted in the suspension and apply for a new one.
Common reasons for revocation
When your driver’s license is revoked, it means that you no longer have the right to legally operate a vehicle. Unlike a suspension, which is usually short-term, driver’s licenses are usually revoked for a period of one to five years. In some cases, there is no set date for you to regain your driving privileges. Common reasons a driver’s license can be revoked include having multiple driving while intoxicated offenses, hitting, injuring or killing someone with your vehicle, not appearing in court, driving recklessly, and multiple and serious drug charges.
It is not possible to reinstate a revoked license, but you may apply for a new one once the period of revocation is over. To get another license, you must pay for and complete all required driving evaluations, schedule a hearing with the Secretary of State and pay the required fees. The results of the hearing determine if you should receive a restricted license or your full driving privileges back. In some cases, it can result in harsher penalties, such as revoking your driving privileges indefinitely.
Sometimes the mistakes you make can keep you from having a valid driver’s license, which can have negative consequences on your livelihood and your ability to get back and forth to work. If are dealing with a driver’s license suspension or revocation issue or you are in the process of trying to regain your legal driving privileges, you may benefit from speaking to an attorney about your situation for guidance on the matter.
