You need a valid driver’s license to commute to work, run errands, and participate in social activities. However, many people find themselves in a situation where their license is suspended without realizing it. Driving with a suspended license can lead to severe consequences, including tickets and even jail time.
If you’ve been asking, “How can I see if my license is suspended in Florida?” this guide is for you. You’ll learn how to perform a Florida driver’s license suspension check and what you can do if your right to drive has been revoked.
Reasons Your License Might Be Suspended in Florida
There are several reasons why your license might be suspended in Florida. Understanding why you’ve lost your driving privileges can help you avoid future suspensions and accelerate the reinstatement process.
Common Reasons for Suspension
A DUI license suspension in Florida is one of the most severe. If your license has been suspended because you refused to submit a breath sample during a DUI investigation or if you have been convicted of driving under the influence, you may face a mandatory suspension period.
Contacting an experienced suspended license lawyer in Clearwater can help you navigate the aftermath of a license suspension and fight for your privilege to operate a motor vehicle.
Some other possible causes of a suspension include:
- Unpaid Fines: Failing to pay fines, tickets, or court-ordered fees can result in a suspension.
- Accumulation of Too Many Tickets: Racking up too many citations (or points) can lead to a suspension.
- Failure to Maintain Car Insurance: You must maintain a valid car insurance policy to keep your license valid.
- Court-Ordered: The courts can suspend your license for various reasons, including failing to pay child support.
Some suspension issues are relatively easy to resolve. For instance, submitting proof of a new insurance policy can help you regain your driving privileges. However, if you have received too many points for moving violations, you may have to attend a court-ordered driving class and take other steps to get your license back.
Legal Implications
Florida law prohibits driving with a suspended license. Unknowingly operating a motor vehicle with a suspended license will result in a traffic citation, which is considered a non-moving violation. If you drive your car and know your license is suspended, it is a criminal offense.
The first offense of knowingly driving while the license is suspended, revoked, canceled, or disqualified is a second-degree misdemeanor. The crime becomes a first-degree misdemeanor after a second conviction and a third-degree felony after a third or subsequent conviction.
You may incur additional penalties in addition to jail time and fines. The courts can impose extended suspension programs, mandatory community service, or participation in driver improvement programs.
How to Check if Your License Is Suspended
Knowing whether your license is suspended is crucial to avoiding the penalties outlined above. Fortunately, there are several ways to determine whether your driving privileges are intact.
Online Methods
The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) maintains records about your driving history. Their website also has a tool that you can use to check license status. FLHSMV tools are free and easy to use. Simply input your driver’s license number and the verification code.
The tool will instantly tell you if your license is valid. It will also reveal if your driving privileges have been suspended or revoked and why.
In-Person Methods
You can visit your local FLHSMV service center. The clerk can look up your information and let you know the status of your license. They may also be able to provide details about the reason for a suspension and let you know what steps you need to take to regain your driving privileges.
Phone Methods
You can also contact the FLHSMV by phone. This method is quick and convenient. However, if the office you contact is experiencing a large volume of calls or in-person service requests, you might be put on hold for a while.
Mail Methods
You can also request your driving record by mail, which is the slowest option and should only be used if you need a printed breakdown of your suspension history. Remember that your local FLHSMV office can also provide a printed report.
Understanding Your Driving Record
Once you’ve obtained your driving record, carefully review the documents to understand why you’ve lost your driving privileges. Here’s a look at what information your report will include.
Information Included
Your driving record includes the current status of your license, as well as a breakdown of changes, such as:
- Address updates
- Suspensions and revocations
- Other changes (i.e., change from Class E to Class A)
The report should also list any traffic violations you have committed and the dates and details of each offense.
This information will also be visible if you have accumulated points on your driving record. Points are included only for moving violations, such as speeding or failing to obey a traffic control device. Non-moving violations, such as seat belt tickets, don’t carry points.
How to Interpret the Details
The most important part of your driving report is the section outlining the reason for suspension. There are various violation codes, each categorizing a different type of offense. The codes should have a plain text explanation next to them that breaks down why you lost your driving privileges.
What to Do if Your License Is Suspended
The process for license reinstatement in Florida is straightforward but can also be costly. After discovering you’ve lost your driving privileges, here’s what you must do.
Immediate Steps
Don’t drive anywhere after finding out your license has been suspended. Unknowingly operating a motor vehicle with a suspended license is a civil offense. However, the incident becomes criminal once you know about the suspension.
Stay off the road and arrange alternative means of transportation to get to and from work.
Resolving the Suspension
After protecting yourself from additional legal troubles:
- Focus on resolving the issue.
- If you’ve lost your license due to unpaid fines or fees, settle them as soon as you can.
- Contact the clerk of courts in your jurisdiction and see if you can set up a payment arrangement.
Don’t assume your license has been reinstated after you pay past-due fines. If you lose your driving privileges, you will likely have to pay a reinstatement fee as well.
In some cases, you might be required to complete specific courses. For instance, if you were convicted of driving under the influence, you might have to complete a substance abuse education class.
You must provide proof of a current policy if you lost your driving privileges due to a lack of insurance, which may involve submitting an SR-22 or FR-44 form. You may be able to verify your policy online using the FLHSMV website.
Applying for a Hardship License
You may be eligible to submit a hardship license Florida application and restore some of your driving privileges. This limited right to drive allows you to operate a vehicle for specific purposes, such as driving to work or school. However, you won’t be able to operate a vehicle for leisurely or social purposes.
Carefully review the eligibility requirements. Generally, if being unable to drive will prevent you from attending work or school, you may be eligible for a hardship license. You’ll have to submit several documents to support your request and may have to attend a hearing.
Consequences of Driving With a Suspended License
Operating a vehicle when you’ve been stripped of your driving privileges can have severe consequences — both immediate legal penalties and long-term effects.
Legal Penalties
The fallout of driving with a suspended license can include fines and jail time. You will also incur other expenses, such as towing and impound fees. For instance, if a law enforcement officer pulls you over and discovers your driving privileges have been suspended, they will likely issue you a ticket and have your vehicle towed.
If you knew that your license was suspended, you may be issued a notice to appear, which includes a mandatory court date. Alternatively, the police officer may take you into custody. Either way, the entire experience can be incredibly stressful and leave you facing criminal charges.
Long-Term Impact
A suspended license can have a long-lasting effect on your driving record, making it difficult to obtain insurance or quality insurance for jobs that require a clean driving history. Your criminal record will be tarnished if you are arrested for knowingly operating a vehicle with a suspended license.
Insurance companies view drivers with suspended licenses as high-risk, which can lead to increased premiums. You could find yourself paying hundreds of dollars more yearly for car insurance.
How a Criminal Defense Attorney Can Help
A skilled criminal defense attorney can help you uncover why your driving privileges were revoked and fight back against the consequences of the incident. They can stand in your corner throughout the entire process and help you move on toward your next chapter.
Role of a Criminal Defense Attorney
An experienced criminal defense lawyer will provide personalized legal advice tailored to your specific situation. They will help you understand your options and minimize the impact of the suspension.
If your case requires a court appearance, your attorney will fight on your behalf. They can file any necessary motions, negotiate better terms, and work to restore your right to drive.
How Dean Tsourakis Can Assist
Dean Tsourakis is an experienced criminal defense attorney who serves clients throughout Clearwater and the greater Tampa area. He and his team have handled countless traffic-related cases, including DUI charges, license suspensions, and court-imposed revocations.
Dean Tsourakis will evaluate your case’s unique circumstances and make personalized recommendations to help you move past the incident. Contact his team and enjoy peace of mind knowing you have a legal professional fighting on your behalf.
How Can I See if My License Is Suspended? Putting These Tips to Use
Finding out your license is suspended allows you to avoid further legal consequences and initiate the reinstatement process. Act fast, and don’t hesitate to hire an experienced attorney if your case requires a professional touch.
Driving on a suspended license in Florida can tarnish your reputation and leave you facing lasting penalties. Don’t take the situation lightly. Fight for your privilege to operate a motor vehicle and protect your livelihood.
Schedule a Free Consultation
Driving on a suspended license in Florida can have some severe consequences. The good news is that Dean Tsourakis can help. As an experienced criminal law attorney, Dean Tsourakis and our legal team can assist with a wide range of criminal incidents that may leave you with a suspended license. Schedule a free consultation with Dean Tsourakis today.
on Jul 29, 2024