A license suspension can be a major cause for stress. You need your car to get around and having your driver’s license suspended can make your day-to-day life more difficult. After the Arizona MVD (Motor Vehicles Department) suspends your license, you need to take quick and effective action to help restore your driving privileges as soon as possible.
Here are the steps to take after a license suspension:
Know the Reasons Why Your Driver’s License Was Suspended
In Arizona, there are a variety of reasons the state can suspend your license. Knowing these reasons is important so you can potentially avoid a license suspension in the first place. If the MVD already suspended your license, knowing why can help you determine what you need to do next.
You can have your license suspended for driving violations, such as committing a felony in your vehicle or causing an accident that leads to death or serious injury. Failure to pay traffic tickets is another common reason for suspension. It’s also possible to temporarily lose your right to drive for reasons unrelated to your driving record, such as not paying required child support.
DUI (driving under the influence) charges are one of the most common reasons for a license suspension. If a police officer pulls you over and tests show you have a BAC (blood alcohol concentration) over 0.08, you will get a suspension that lasts for 90 days. If the courts convict you of a DUI, the judge may order your license to be revoked. This means it will remain suspended until a second investigation reinstates your right to drive. Your license will also be suspended if you refuse a breathalyzer as outlined in ARS (Arizona Revised Statutes) 28-1312.
Do Not Drive
During your suspension period, you cannot legally drive your vehicle. You may be tempted to try to get around this, but it is not worth the risk. As outlined in ARS 28-3473, it is a class 1 misdemeanor to drive with a suspended license. Depending on your specific situation, you could face jail time, large fines, or an extended suspension period.
Challenge the License Suspension
Depending on the circumstances, you may have the right to challenge your license suspension. You will receive a notice from the MVD following the events that led them to suspend your license. This will include instructions on how to request a hearing if you would like to challenge the decision. You will need to do this as soon as possible to avoid missing any deadlines.
Hiring a DUI Lawyer
We can help you after a license suspension.
If you are facing a driver’s license suspension due to DUI charges, it is important that you speak to a DUI attorney as soon as possible. Our legal team can help you appeal your suspension. We will do as much as we can to restore your driving privileges as soon as possible. We help you with every aspect of your DUI case, from fighting your license suspension to working to minimize the penalties for your charge.
