Suspension and Revocation
Good Defensive drivers understand traffic laws and the rules of the road. Unfortunately, not every driver respects the traffic laws set in place to keep us all safe. When, through your actions, you demonstrate that you pose a risk to the public when you are behind the wheel, you can lose your driving privileges. In more drastic cases, you can lose them on the spot at a traffic stop. Depending on the circumstances of your offense, your driving privileges can be either suspended or revoked.
If your license is suspended, you are not allowed to drive – PERIOD. You may actually retain physical possession of your license. Until your period of suspension ends, though, your license is nothing more than an ID. When your period of suspension ends, your driving privileges can be reinstated if you satisfy all requirements assigned to you by to courts. If your license expires during the period of suspension, you will, of course, have to renew it before you can drive. If you are involved in any of the following actions, your license is subject to suspension. This list is not all inclusive.
| Record of frequent convictions showing you have no regard for traffic laws | Record of excessive crashes or similar incidents |
| Have shown yourself to be incompetent to operate a motor vehicle | Altered your license or used it for fraudulent purposes |
| Commit an offense out of state that would normally result in suspension in Alabama | Conviction for attempting to flee from the police |
| Racing on public highways | Failure to pay a fine or answer a court summons |
| Drop out of school, age 15 to 18 under certain circumstances | Not having required SR-22 insurance |
| Non payment of child support | You are deemed medically unfit to drive |
| 4+ points or 2+ moving violations on a graduated license | You first offense for DUI or Drugs |
| Exceeding predefined number of points within a given time period** | Additional circumstances as outlined in the state traffic laws |
If you are assessed an excessive number of points against your driving record within a certain time frame, your license is subject to suspension:
| Points within A Pre-defined Period | Duration of Suspension |
| 12-14 points within 2 year period | 60 days |
| 15-17 points within 2 year period | 90 days |
| 18-20 points within 2 year period | 120 days |
| 21-23 points within 2 year period | 180 days |
| 24 points or more within 2 year period | 365 days |
Revocation is the more serious of these two penalties. When revoked, your license is taken from you. If and when your driving privileges are reinstated, you must reapply for a license. This includes taking all required tests.
In the following situations, your license will be revoked:
| You commit manslaughter or vehicular homicide while operating a vehicle | Second or subsequent DUI conviction |
| Second or subsequent conviction of driving while impaired by drugs | Use of motor vehicle to commit a felony |
| Failure to stop, aid, or identify yourself in an accident with death or personal injury | Commit perjury or make false statements regarding traffic laws or vehicle ownership while under oath |
| Convicted of reckless driving 3 times within 12 months | Unauthorized use of someone else’s vehicle |
As you can see, to have your license revoked, you will have committed some pretty serious violations. If you are taking this course to avoid paying a fine, take some time to think about your offense. Think about what you are learning in this course. Which road will you take?