Are You Unknowingly Driving with A Suspended License?
Aug. 22, 2017
You probably know that driving without a valid license in Florida can lead to serious penalties, such as jail time and high fines. Although a suspended license is more than inconvenient, it is not worth taking the risk of driving anyway.
But what about when you do not know you have lost your driving privileges? Is it fair to receive punishment for unintentionally breaking the law? To avoid this scenario, be aware of how this can happen and what you can do about it.
Reasons for License Suspension
If you have gotten a DUI or broken a major traffic law, then it will be clear when you cannot use your license. However, a license suspension also can be a penalty for offenses not related to driving. For example:
Missing child support payments
Receiving a drug conviction
Committing a misdemeanor theft
Failing to appear to a court hearing
Not paying taxes or court fees
Using worthless checks
These are only a few of the many ways in which you can lose driving privileges.
Causes of Unawareness
The court will inform you when you do not have permission to drive and for how long. However, certain factors can cause you not to receive that notification. Perhaps you never received the mail, whether because you moved or the mail got lost. Maybe you did not know that tickets you have received in other states can count against you in Florida. It is even possible for there to be a glitch in the system, especially due to moves, new insurance and other changes. You can order your driving record if you are ever unsure of the status of your license.
Ways to Get Back Your License
The good news is that a license suspension (and even revocation) is not a permanent punishment. With the help of an attorney, you can clear your suspension or file to reinstate your license.