Having your driver’s license suspended puts a strain on your mobility making it more difficult to get to work, pick up your child from daycare or run to the grocery store. It may have adverse effects on other aspects of your life too.
In California, 350,000 drivers’ licenses get suspended every year. Reckless driving, driving without insurance and other traffic violations can lead to license suspension or revocation by the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
What offenses can lead to suspension?
- Negligent driving
- Having a DUI
- Physical or mental conditions
- Driving without car insurance
- Failure to pay child support
If you are caught committing any of these offenses, your driving privileges may be at risk. Drivers’ license suspension may have more consequences than you think.
Unintended consequences
These license suspensions may have unintended consequences. There are fees and fines associated with license suspension and license reinstatement. These fees add up, making license suspension costly.
For those who continually drive with a suspended license because they feel they have no other option, the fines just keep adding up.
You may lose your job if your license suspension affects your ability to get to work.
License suspensions have a strong impact on employment. A government study found that in some areas, over 40% of people lost their jobs after having their drivers’ license suspended.
Job loss due to license suspension may harm the economy.
License suspension may affect all job industries as many people have trouble getting to work without a car. Especially in industries that require an employee to drive, there may be a shortage of workers. With truck drivers, package delivery and at-home care services in high demand, license suspension may strain employers to find staff.