Difference Between a Suspended and Revoked License

traffic offense lawyer Baltimore

“Driving is a privilege and not a right” is a commonly repeated phrase. While you may have heard this when begging to take the car out as a teenager with your restricted permit, it becomes much more relevant as an adult.

Having your license suspended and revoked are actions the state can take against you for various reasons; however, people are often unaware of the difference between the two. While they both result in you losing your license, one is way more problematic than the other. The most ominous difference is that a suspended license is temporary, but a revoked license is possibly permanent.

Suspended Driver’s License in Maryland

A suspended license is one that you cannot use for a set period, thus driving with a suspended license is illegal. One may have their license suspended as a result of any of the following:

  • Being medically unfit
  • Not paying a traffic ticket
  • Getting a DUI/DWI
  • Declining an alcohol breath test
  • Violating a driver’s license restriction
  • Accumulation too many points (another reason not to “just pay out a ticket”)

A license suspension ends at the conclusion of the suspension period and after the driver has taken any steps necessary for the return of his or her license. However, a suspension can be indefinite unless the driver takes the necessary action which can be anything from paying a traffic ticket to arranging child support.

Revoked Driver’s License in Maryland

A revoked license is canceled and may never be reinstated. Licenses are often revoked due to:

  • Medical conditions
  • Serious traffic offense conviction
  • Too many points accumulated

An individual with a revoked license who wishes to drive again legally must get the approval through the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration. A reinstatement application must be filed with the MVA.  If the Revocation is from the Medical Advisory Board (“MAB”) the application is extensive.

Insurance Considerations for Suspended or Revoked Licenses

Your insurance policy will likely get non-renewed if you get your license suspended or revoked. Finding car insurance without a license is possible but can be extremely difficult and once you find an insurer, you can expect to have to pay much more for your plan than before.

Getting caught driving with a suspended or revoked license does not only result in legal ramifications, but your insurer will most likely cancel coverage, require that you enroll in a new, more expensive plan, and spike your rates.

Losing the freedom to drive can be a crippling feeling as it limits your mobility to ridesharing or public transportation which can be costly. The Baltimore motor vehicle offense lawyers at The Law Office of Hillel Traub are here to help you get you back on the road. Hillel Traub has experience handling numerous license suspension and revocation cases and leading the case to a favorable conclusion for our client. Contact us today at 410-580-1100 for a free consultation with a knowledgeable attorney.

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