How Long Will My License Be Suspended in Texas?

Even a brief driver’s license suspension completely disrupts everyday life.

Mostly according to the reason for suspension, driver’s license suspension usually varies between 30 days and two years. However, in some cases and as outlined below, the suspension period could be indefinite.

Many people ignore driver’s license suspensions. But as a rule, ignoring a problem is a very poor idea. Usually, the situation only gets worse, and that’s the case with driver’s license suspension.

People who drive with suspended licenses eventually incur additional penalties. These penalties may include jail time and almost always include intensive, long-term court supervision.

A Ft. Worth criminal defense lawyer immediately determines the reason for drivers’ license suspension and quickly develops a plan to either end that suspension or reduce its effects. An attorney always finds the longest-lasting and most cost-effective solution to any legal problem a person faces.

Failure to Pay Traffic Tickets or Appear in Court

Once upon a time, a missed court date or deadline (e.g., not timely completing a traffic school course) meant almost instantaneous driver’s license suspension. The state sent the notice to the driver’s address of record, which is often outdated. Therefore, thousands of Texans drove with suspended licenses without knowing it. These suspensions were indefinite.

Many courts have switched gears in recent years. The court puts a hold on the license, and that hold eventually leads to suspension. Nevertheless, courts still have the authority to enforce compliance through license restrictions.

A Ft. Worth criminal defense lawyer can often lift traffic warrants, ending the immediate danger. Furthermore, when the traffic court considers the case, the arresting officer (and only state witness) is usually unavailable. So, the court dismisses the matter.

Driving While Intoxicated (DWI)

An FTA suspension is an administrative (non-safety) suspension. The state suspends the license because of the failure to appear, not because of the traffic offense.

One of the most common reasons for safety-related license suspension in Texas is a DWI arrest or conviction. You can lose your license for:

• Failing a breath or blood test (BAC of 0.08 or higher),
• Refusing a chemical test under Texas’s implied consent laws, and/or
• Being convicted of DWI in criminal court.

Since Texas has an Administrative License Revocation (ALR) process, your license can be suspended even before your criminal case is resolved. Suspension periods vary between 90 days and two years, depending on prior offenses and whether you refused testing.

Excessive Traffic Violations

Although the points system is gone, Texas still tracks repeat traffic violations. Therefore, habitual offenders face license suspension if they accumulate excessive moving violations or demonstrate unsafe driving behavior. Common violations that can contribute to suspension include:

• Reckless driving,
• Excessive speeding,
• Racing on highways, and
• Multiple at-fault accidents.

Once again, the suspension period varies. It’s usually between 30 days and six months. Additionally, habitual traffic offenders may face extended suspension periods and reinstatement requirements.

Driving Without Insurance

Although Texas law requires all drivers to carry minimum liability insurance, the Lone Star State has one of the highest percentages of uninsured drivers in the country. When (not if) you are caught driving without insurance, the following penalties could apply:

• Extended driver’s license suspension,
• Fines and court supervision,
• Vehicle registration suspension, and
• SR-22 requirement.

High-risk SR-22 insurance, if available at all, is usually at least three times higher than ordinary auto insurance.

Drug Offenses

Certain drug convictions, even those completely unrelated to driving, can lead to drivers’ license suspension in Texas. These convictions include:

• Drug possession,
• Drug trafficking, and
• Juvenile drug or alcohol offenses.

The suspension period depends on the severity of the offense and whether it is a first or repeat violation.

Medical Conditions

The Texas Department of Public Safety may suspend or restrict a license, usually for three to six months, if a driver is found medically unfit to operate a vehicle safely. Examples include:

• Seizure disorders,
• Vision impairment,
• Cognitive conditions, and
• Physical impairments affecting driving ability.

These drivers must often jump through additional hoops, such as medical evaluations or testing, before reinstatement.

Work With a Thorough Tarrant County Attorney

The state can suspend your driver’s license for various reasons and for various lengths of time. For a confidential consultation with an experienced criminal defense lawyer in Ft. Worth, contact the Law Office of Kyle Whitaker by calling 817-332-7703 or going online now. Virtual, home, and jail visits are available.