License Suspension — Types of Suspensions


The length of a license suspension, and the requirements for reinstatement, will vary from case to case. Call Scott Markowitz and discuss the facts and law applicable to your particular situation. Initial consultation is always free. Call (713) 521-7568 now!

Reinstatement of License

For the many different causes of driver license suspension, there are various and different reinstatement requirements applicable to each type of suspension. Contact Scott Markowitz at (713) 521-7568 for your free initial consultation. He will inform and advise you what steps are necessary to reinstate your driver license in your particular situation.

Among the various reinstatement requirements are:

  • 1. Paying a reinstatement fee. The amount differs from one type of suspension to another;
  • 2. Filing a Financial Responsibility Insurance Certificate (SR-22);
  • 3. Attend an Alcohol Education Program;
  • 4. Attend a Drug Education Program;
  • 5. Pay delinquent child support;
  • 6. Resolve outstanding traffic tickets and obtain a release of hold from the court;
  • 7. Pay an outstanding liability judgment or set up installments;
  • 8. Pay surcharges or set up installments or apply for a reduction of surcharges
  • 9. Serve out the period of suspension

Alcohol Related

Suspension of an individual’s driver license can result for the following:

  • DWI Related (ALR) – Consent to specimen of breath or blood with result +.08 or more – 90 days

  • DWI Related (ALR) – Refusing to provide a specimen of breath or blood – 180 days

  • Conviction for DWI

  • Minors (Individuals under 21)
  • Purchase of, or Attempt to Purchase Alcohol
  • Consumption of Alcohol
  • Possession of Alcohol
  • Misrepresentation of age
  • Public Intoxication

 

Commercial Driver License (CDL)

There are some special laws applicable to those who have a CDL. Some of the more common suspensions or disqualifications are:

  • Alcohol, leaving the scene of an accident or commission of a felony -at least one year

  • Alcohol, leaving the scene of an accident or commission of a felony while operating a commercial motor vehicle placarded for hazardous materials - at least three years for first offense; lifetime for second offense

  • Two serious traffic offenses (excessive speeding, reckless driving, improper or erratic lane changes, following too closely) within a three-year period - 60 days

  • Three serious traffic offenses (excessive speeding, reckless driving, improper or erratic lane changes, following too closely) within three years - 120 days

  • Railroad-highway grade crossing violations - 60 days for first offense; 120 days for second offense within three years; at least one year for third offense within three years

  • Using a motor vehicle in the commission of a felony- Lifetime

Delinquent Child Support

Once the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is notified by the Attorney General of Texas, DPS will take revocation action against a Texas resident for failure to pay child support.

Driving While License Invalid (DWLI) or Driving While License Suspended (DWLS)

Individuals who drive a motor vehicle while their driver license is suspended, revoked, denied or cancelled are subject to an additional suspension for the same period of time as the original suspension.

Drug Related

Individuals who are convicted of a drug offense (for example, possession of marijuana) or a controlled substance offense (such as narcotics, etc) will have their driver license suspended.

Accident Related

When DPS receives notice that an individual has been involved in a crash which resulted in an injury, death or property damages of at least $1,000, an uninsured driver is subject to a driver license suspension.

Failure to Appear

Under the Failure to Appear / Failure to Pay Program, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) may deny the renewal of a driver license if an individual has failed to appear for a citation or failed to satisfy a judgment ordering the payment of a fine. The driver license may not be renewed until the individual’s driver record is cleared of all offenses reported to DPS by the court. This is known as the Omni system.

Financial Responsibility – insurance related suspensions:

  • Two or more convictions for “No Insurance” (Failure to Maintain Financial Responsibility).
  • Failure to provide or maintain SR-22

 

Habitual Violator

An individual’s driver license will automatically be suspended if the individual is convicted of four or more moving traffic violations within a 12 month period, or seven or more moving traffic violations within a 24 month period. Individuals who have been convicted of at least two offenses for a violation that conflicts with a restriction or endorsement printed on their driver license are also subject to a suspension or disqualification.

Medical

The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) may revoke the driver license on any individual who is found to be medically incapable of safely operating a motor vehicle.

Out of State Violations

An offense committed out-of-state may impact an individual’s driver eligibility status in Texas. A suspension in another state will suspend a Texas license. Unpaid tickets in another state is the same as having unpaid tickets in Texas.

Surcharges - Driver Responsibility Program

Individuals who fail to pay or become delinquent in paying surcharges will have their driver license suspended.