DUI Conviction
If you are convicted after your first DUI, your license will be suspended for six months. You could lose your license for two to four years after a second and third offense.
Underage Drinking
For this offense, your driver’s license will be suspended for a year or until you reach 18.
Refusing A Drug Or Alcohol Lab Test
Even if you are innocent, it can mean having your license suspended if you refuse a breath, urine, or blood test.
No Auto Insurance Coverage With An Insurance Company
Driving without insurance coverage is illegal. Your driving privileges will be revoked for four years if you’re not covered by an insurance company and were involved in an accident. Without a valid license it will be difficult to hold a job.
Too Many Points On Your Driving Record
If you have too many points, the California DMV will either revoke your driver’s license or place you on one year of driving probation. This will include a six-month license suspension.
Not Appearing In Court
If you don’t show up in court or pay the fine for a traffic ticket, the court can suspend your license.
Not Paying Child Support
If you don’t pay child support, according to Family Code §17520 your license can be suspended.
Vandalism
If you are caught committing vandalism, your driving privileges can be revoked for a year, delaying you from getting a valid license. Your ability to apply for a driver’s license will be postponed by one year if you are underage.
Not Reporting An Accident
A car accident requires reporting if the property damage was costly or if someone was badly injured. If you don’t report it you can have your license suspended.
What Are the Penalties for Driving With a Suspended License in California?
When operating a vehicle with a suspended driver’s license, according to Californian law, this is a misdemeanor.
For your first conviction, you can be imprisoned in county jail for anywhere between five days and six months. You can also be fined anywhere between $300 and $1,000. For second and third offenses, you can go to county jail for up to one year and pay a fine of up to $2,000.
What Happens if You Get in an Accident With a Suspended License in California?
If a repeat violation of this statute occurs within five years of your first conviction, then the jail sentence and fines will be greater. The court may order the installation of an ignition interlock device (IID) that you have to purchase. This will stop your car from starting if you can’t give an alcohol-free breath sample. This can be problematic when you eat fermented foods or use mouthwash.
If an accident results in bodily injury to another, this is punishable by up to six months in your county’s jail. You won’t be released for work, community service, or any other program until this amount of time has been served.
If you drive a vehicle after you’ve been suspended for a DUI, this is considered a criminal offense the moment you injure another person. You can experience six months of jail, up to $1,000 in fines, and more.
