Driving with a suspended license can lead to serious consequences, including fines, increased insurance rates, and even arrest. Suspensions are typically served when a driver fails to pay traffic tickets, has an invalid license, or shares a vehicle with a driver who’s not authorized to drive. If caught, stop driving immediately and follow the steps outlined below to handle the situation with personal and financial repercussions in mind. If you’re not sure how to proceed, check the [DMV.org](http://DMV.org) website for specific guidance in your state.
If you receive a notification that your license has been suspended, your insurance may be impacted, so it’s essential to take action to avoid higher premiums. Under these circumstances, habitual driving for work purposes may be a valid reason to dispute your suspension or for a professional driving exception. However, ever contentious one case to one another, you can dispute your suspension, but you may need to attend a DMV hearing and provide evidence in your [state’s traffic court](https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/traffic-courts-who-is-states-most-powerful-way-to-pay-traffic-tickets.html).
Understanding Why Your License Was Suspended
Before you can resolve the issue, it’s crucial to understand why your license was suspended. Your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) usually sends a suspension notice explaining the reason, so review it to identify the cause. Possible reasons may include:
- Failed to appear in court
- Outstanding traffic tickets or fines
- Invalid license
- Driving with a suspended license
- Licence expire or need to reside with traveling requirement
Address any issues mentioned, and if you have multiple outstanding tickets, prioritize those to avoid complications. Keep track of your suspensions, as excessive suspensions can lead to the permanent revocation of your license according to [American Bar Association](https://www.americanbar.org/groups/public_education/publications/ABA-15-Minute-Lawyer/Driving-Licenses/Streetwise-How-to-handle-suspended-drivers-license).
