What’s the Difference Between a Revoked License and Suspended License?

Revoked License vs Suspended License

Across the United States, one thing remains the same in every state — a revoked license is the permanent seizure of driving privileges while license suspension is a temporary punishment. What varies across the nation is what qualifies for a suspended vs revoked driver’s license. While each state’s department of motor vehicles controls the issuance of driver’s licenses and the authority is restricted the state of issuance, there are 47 states that participate in the driver license reciprocity contract, which means that drivers license suspension and revocation will be honored in other states. Here, we will discuss a few causes of license suspension and revocation in Ohio.

Revoked License

Having a license revoked is a serious court-ordered punishment, that results in a permanent loss of the right to drive in the state where the license revocation is ordered. Typically, a license will be revoked if a driver violates driving laws again and again, especially as it relates to a DUI/OVI. In Ohio, if an individual is convicted of aggravated vehicular homicide, vehicular homicide, or vehicular manslaughter, the court will issue a permanent revocation of the individuals’ driver’s license. If the driver wishes to have their driving rights reinstated, the individual must file a motion with the courts for termination or moderation of a revoked license.

Suspended License

Having a license suspended is a temporary state pending the driver meeting some requirements and reinstating the driving rights. Licenses can be suspended for a variety of reasons including a medical or physical condition that limits driving abilities, lack of car insurance coverage, court-ordered suspensions, DUI/OVI, or an accumulation of points. The Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) issues points for driving violations. If a driver accumulates 12 points in a two-year period, the license will be suspended. Reinstating suspended licenses will be determined by the courts or the BMV and depend on the reason the license was suspended. Reinstatement requirements may involve a time requirement, such as six-month for a 12-point suspension or several years for DUI/OVI; a remedial driving course; and/ or a reinstatement fee.

Drug and Alcohol Suspension

A first-time DUI/OVI offense will result in a 90-day administrative suspension, as well as a court-ordered suspension of between six months and three years. For multiple offenses, the suspension times will increase. For habitual drug or alcohol offenses —three or more convictions within a three-year period— will result in suspension of the driver’s license until a drug or alcohol treatment or rehabilitation program is completed, the driver maintains sobriety for at least six months, and the driver must request reinstatement through the BMV.

For an OVI Defense Lawyer in Ohio

If you have been charged with a DUI/OVI, you need an experienced attorney who knows the laws and your options and can fight for your rights. Being charged with a DUI/OVI can damage your driving record and your life, so it is important to have experience and dedication on your side. When you hire Michel Probst, you get skilled legal representation. Contact Probst Law Office for your consultation today!