When we get our drivers’ licenses, we are reminded that driving is a privilege, not a right. Drivers who are found guilty of on-the-road violations may face penalties and have their licenses suspended. The length of time a license is suspended for will depend on what violations a driver committed and how many violations have occurred.
There is no statute under which a driver’s license may be permanently suspended in New Jersey. However, in some cases, drunk drivers and those who refuse breathalyzer tests may have their licenses revoked. If your driver’s license is revoked, then the license will be canceled, and you will have to submit to an investigation before acquiring another one.
If your driver’s license was suspended or revoked in New Jersey, you should contact our team at the Lombardo Law Group, LLC right away. Our experienced Atlantic City criminal defense lawyers can help review your case and determine the proper course of action. Our phone number is (609) 445-4300.
Driver’s License Suspensions in New Jersey
There is a wide range of traffic violations that can result in the suspension of driver’s licenses. The length of time a license will be suspended for can vary depending on several factors. Different types of violations will result in suspensions of different lengths. Additionally, the number of violations a driver has committed in the past can also play a role in determining the length of their license suspension.
There is no statute in New Jersey that calls for permanent suspension of a driver’s license. The most serious penalties are imposed on drivers who drive drunk or refuse to take breathalyzer tests. After their third offense, a drunk driver’s license may be suspended for up to 10 years.
However, in some cases, “habitual” drunk drivers’ licenses may be revoked by the court. A revocation is a bit different from a suspension. If your license is suspended, it means that you are unable to drive for a certain period of time but will have your license returned eventually. If your license is revoked, then it means that your license is canceled, and you must submit to an investigation before acquiring a new one. Still, as opposed to licenses that have been permanently suspended, those that have been revoked can be reinstated. You can reach out to our experienced Linwood, NJ criminal defense lawyers for help evaluating the effect of penalties placed on your driver’s license.
Can Our Lawyers Reduce Your Driver’s License Suspension in New Jersey?
If your driver’s license was suspended, then you should call our law firm right away. Our Mays Landing criminal defense lawyers can help deal with the impact of your suspension. Furthermore, our team will investigate whether your suspension can be dismissed, which would keep you from losing your license. If such a dismissal is not attainable, then our attorneys will work with the courts to end your license suspension as quickly as possible.
Restoring Your Driver’s License After a Suspension in New Jersey
The process for restoring your driver’s license after a suspension in New Jersey can vary depending on the nature of the infraction that you committed. Generally, your license can be restored after you have completed the following:
- Satisfaction of your suspension
- An application to have your driving privileges restored
- Payment of your reinstatement fee
Drivers with suspended licenses in New Jersey can contact our attorneys for help understanding the process for restoration.
Common Reasons Why Drivers’ Licenses Are Suspended in New Jersey
There are many different reasons why your driver’s license may be suspended. The following are common examples of violations that lead to license suspensions in New Jersey:
Excessive Moving Violations
Moving violations can also be referred to as “on-the-road” violations. There are many different moving violations that motorists can commit. For example, you may commit a moving violation by speeding, running a red light, or illegally changing lanes.
New Jersey utilizes a point system that keeps track of drivers’ moving violations. Different types of mistakes made behind the wheel will equate to different point totals being applied to drivers’ licenses. If you acquire 12 or more points on your current driving record, then your license will be suspended.
Driving Drunk
Drunk driving is another common type of violation that leads to license suspensions in New Jersey. The length of time a drunk driver’s license is suspended will depend on whether or not it was their first offense. For a first offense, their license may be suspended for a length of time between 3 months and 1 year. For a second offense, the suspension can last two years. Finally, for third and subsequent offenses, drunk drivers’ licenses may be suspended for 10 years or be permanently revoked.
License suspensions for drunk drivers take effect upon their convictions. If you were pulled over for drunk driving, then you should contact our Camden County criminal defense lawyers for help protecting your interests and applying for reinstatement of your license.
Refusing a Breathalyzer Test
If you refuse to submit to a breathalyzer test after being pulled over in New Jersey, then you will be charged for your refusal. These charges are separate from drunk driving charges but can also result in the suspension of your driver’s license.
Driving with a Suspended License
Furthermore, many drivers are penalized because they take to the roads with licenses that have already been suspended. Driving with a suspended license can cause the length of your suspension to be increased. Also, those who drive with suspended licenses may face time in prison. Under N.J.S.A. § 39:3-40, if your license was suspended for driving drunk or refusing a breathalyzer test, then the penalties you face can be more severe.
Driving Uninsured
Drivers in New Jersey are required to carry auto-insurance policies. Motorists who fail to provide valid proof of insurance can have their licenses suspended. You can reach out to our experienced Egg Harbor Township criminal defense attorneys for help determining the right steps to take after having your license suspended for driving uninsured.
Physical or Psychological Disqualification
Lastly, some drivers’ licenses are suspended due to physical or psychological disqualifications. The Motor Vehicle Commission in New Jersey can order a re-examination of any motorist they believe is not fit to drive.
If Your Driver’s License Was Suspended in New Jersey, Our Lawyers Can Help
If your driver’s license was suspended or revoked in New Jersey, seek help from our experienced Atlantic County criminal defense lawyers by calling the Lombardo Law Group, LLC at (609) 445-4300 for a free assessment of your case.
