In Pennsylvania, a person who has been convicted of multiple driving violations may be classified as a habitual offender and be subject to license suspension or revocation.
Some common penalties a habitual offender may receive is a drivers license suspension or revocation, an increase in penalty fees, a longer jail sentence, and / or the installation of an ignition interlock device that test blood-alcohol content (BAC) level before starting a vehicle.
How Vehicle License Revocation Works
Under 75 Pa. Cons. Stat. § 1542 (revocation of habitual offender’s license), your driver’s license may be revoked for a period of five (5) years if you are convicted of three (3) of the following offenses, in any combination, over a period of five (5) years:
- Driving Under the Influence of Drugs or Alcohol;
- Driving While a License is Suspended or Revoked;
- Voluntary or Involuntary Vehicular Manslaughter;
- Accidents Causing Damage to property;
- Felony Involving a Vehicle;
- Racing on Highways;
- Reckless Driving;
- Fleeing From a Police Officer; and/or
- Failing to Stop When a Vehicle Involved in a Crash.
Each additional offense committed within the five (5) year span will result in an additional revocation of two (2) years if found guilty.
License Suspension or Revocation Process
If your driver’s license is going to be suspended or revoked, you will receive a written mailed notification informing you of the suspension or revocation from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT). The notice will request for you to send your driver’s license to the Bureau of Driving Licensing pursuant to the stated date of the suspension or revocation listed in the notice. The state police or local police may also be notified to pick up your driver’s license.
You will have the right to appeal the suspension or revocation to the Court of Common Pleas (Civil Division) within your county. The appeal must be filed within 30 days of the mailing date of the notice of license suspension.
In addition to serving the suspension or revocation period, proof of payment for any fines and costs owed, proof of insurance, and a restoration fee must be paid before your driving privilege will be restored.
How to Obtain a Restricted License
You may be able to obtain a restricted probationary license during this period granting limited driving privileges for traveling such places as your job, school, and/or to receive medical treatment. You may obtain a restricted license only if your driver’s license has been suspended or revoked for at least a five-year period.
In order to obtain your restricted license, you will need to send a completed Form DL-15, along with your proof of insurance and fee payment to the address on the form. PennDOT will determine if you qualify for the license, and will inform you of its decision.
If you are facing a driver’s license suspension or revocation, contact the Law Office of Basil D. Beck III to speak to an attorney. Our attorneys can explain the laws and regulations governing license revocation or suspension.
Sources
75 Pa. Cons. Stat. § 1542