Your driving license can be suspended for a variety of reasons in South Carolina, and it is a criminal offense to drive on a revoked or suspended driving license. When you have been convicted of a traffic offense you may have to pay heavy fines, serve possible jail time, and go through a mandatory period without your license. However, there are ways to get a driver's license back in SC if it was revoked.
Your license will be suspended depending on the offense committed. More serious traffic-related charges will attract a longer license suspension or license revocation period. After the period of your license suspension or revocation comes to an end your license will not be automatically reinstated. For your driving license to be reinstated you may have to pay fees and meet certain conditions. Additionally, you can get help from a qualified Greenville traffic attorney that can help you through the reinstatement process.
Difference Between a Suspended and Revoked License
The DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles) can suspend or revoke an individual’s driver’s license when they have committed a legal or traffic offense. When a driver’s license has been suspended or revoked it means that a driver may not be able to legally operate a motor vehicle.
Even so, there is a difference between a driver’s license suspension and revocation. The difference between a driver’s license suspension and a driver’s license revocation is you can get your driver’s license back after it has been suspended but after it has been revoked it means that the driver’s license has been canceled.
When your driver’s license has been suspended it can be reinstated after a certain period of time or you may have to take the necessary steps for it to be reinstated. When your license has been revoked you may need to submit to an investigation before you get a new license.
License Revocation
There are common reasons why a driver’s license is revoked. Here are some of the reasons why a driver’s license can be revoked;
- Making false statements on a DMV application form.
- Certain medical conditions.
- A history of being a habitual traffic offender, habitual substance abuse offender, or habitual alcohol violator.
- Being advanced in age.
In certain circumstances, it is possible for you to get a new driving license after your driving license has been revoked. However, there are requirements for reinstatement that you will have to follow so you can get a new license after the other one has been revoked.
- They can start by requesting a driver's license hearing at their local DMV.
- Pay any fines or penalties that are overdue.
- Reapply for an entirely new license
Definite and Indefinite License Driver’s Suspension
A driver’s license suspension can be issued for a definite or indefinite period of time. The information that specifies issues dealing with license suspension can be found in the DMV notice.
For you to reinstate a driver’s license suspension you will need to wait until the period set by the DMV is complete before you can get it back. You will as well have to pay any fines and apply for reinstatement. You can hire a lawyer to help you get your driving license reinstated after the mandatory period of suspension is over.
How Long Does it Take to Get a Revoked License Back?
An individual can only be able to apply for driving relief after the previous violation period is over. The length of a driver’s license revocation will be granted depending on the driving under influence of alcohol convictions an individual has. You can lose your driving privileges for a period of 3 to 6 months but as a result of an alcohol or drug violation, your license can be revoked for a longer period.
You will only be able to apply for license reinstatement after the driver's license suspension period is over. Also, there are requirements that you will have to meet for your driving license to be reinstated.
How to Get a Revoked License Back in SC
After the suspension period is over individuals can file requests for driver's license restoration. However, for their driver’s license to be restored they will need to satisfy a list of requirements depending on why the driver’s license had been suspended. Below are the conditions that the individual will need to meet;
- An individual will need to pay the reinstatement fee which is normally $100.
- In the case where your driving license had been suspended as a result of a DUI offense, it is necessary for you to obtain SR-22 insurance and it must be maintained for a period of 3 years. You should as well participate in an alcohol and Drug Safety Awareness Program before your driving license is reinstated.
- Complete any court-imposed substance abuse evaluation or alcohol safety education program.
- Where necessary you will be required to pass a driving test. You will need to pay a fee of $20.
- You will need to have an interlock device installed in your vehicle if you have committed multiple DUI offenses and alcohol/drug-related violations.
You can opt to pay reinstatement fees at your local DMV office send it by mail or pay online on their web page.
How a Lawyer Can Help You Get Your Revoked License Back
At Touma Law Group, we defend clients that have had their license revoked and suspended. We know South Carolina laws revolving around suspended driver’s licenses and we can help guide you through the process. Call the Greenville criminal attorneys at our firm to book your free initial consultation and to get your case evaluated.