How to Check if Your License is Suspended in NY

Oct 02 2023

Traffic violations, missed court dates, and unpaid fines – numerous reasons can lead to a driver’s license suspension in New York. If you’re concerned about the status of your license, it’s crucial to act promptly and verify it. Here’s how to check if your license is suspended in NY.

Get your license back or fight suspension by contacting us through the website or calling us at 855-451-0034.

Why Check Your License Status?

Before diving into the how-to, let’s understand the importance of this. Having a suspended license and driving on it can lead to severe consequences, including hefty fines, further suspension, or even jail time. Being proactive can save you from unexpected complications.

How to Check if Your License is Suspended in NY

How to Check if Your License is Suspended in NY

Online through the DMV

The NY Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) provides an online platform, “MyDMV,” to create an account and access your driving record. This will display any suspensions on your license.

Request a Driving Record Abstract

Another way to confirm your driving status is by requesting a driving record abstract. This document will provide a complete record of your driving history in New York, including any suspensions.

Call or Visit a Local DMV Office

If you’re uncomfortable accessing this information online or want immediate confirmation, you can call your local DMV office or pay a visit in person. Ensure you have your driver’s license number handy.

Consult with a License Suspension Lawyer

If you’re still uncertain or have questions about your license status and potential suspensions, consulting with an experienced license suspension lawyer can provide clarity. Not only can we help verify your license status, but we can also guide you on the next steps if it is indeed suspended.

What to Do If Your License Is Suspended

If you discover that your license is suspended:

Understand the Reason

Before you can address the issue, you need to understand the cause of the suspension. It could range from unpaid tickets, DWI/DUI offenses, accumulating too many points on your license, and more.

Contact a Traffic Ticket Lawyer

Traffic ticket lawyers can offer cost-effective representation and guide you through reinstating your license. We can also help contest any wrongful suspensions.

Pay the Necessary Fees

There might be reinstatement fees or fines associated with the suspension. Ensure they are paid promptly.

Fulfill any Required Courses or Programs

Depending on the reason for suspension, the DMV may require you to complete certain courses or programs.

Apply for License Reinstatement

Once all conditions are met, apply for a license reinstatement with the DMV.

Reasons Your NY License Might Be Suspended

Driving is a privilege, not a right. In the state of New York, certain violations or neglect can lead to the suspension of that privilege. Understanding these reasons can help drivers stay compliant and keep their licenses intact. Here are some of the top reasons why a New York driver’s license might be suspended:

1. Accumulation of Points

New York operates on a point system for traffic violations. Accumulating 11 points or more within an 18-month period can result in a license suspension.

2. DUI/DWI Offenses

Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a grave offense. Being convicted of a DUI (Driving Under Influence) or DWI (Driving While Intoxicated) can lead to immediate license suspension, with the duration varying based on the offense’s severity.

3. Unpaid Traffic Tickets

Ignoring or failing to pay traffic tickets can result in the DMV suspending your license until the fines are settled.

4. Failure to Appear in Court

If you’re summoned to court due to a traffic violation and fail to appear, your license can be suspended until the matter is resolved.

5. Reckless Driving

Engaging in reckless driving behaviors can lead to immediate license suspension, especially if it results in accidents or endangers others.

6. Driving Without Insurance

New York law mandates all drivers to have valid insurance. If caught driving without it, or if your insurance lapses and the DMV is notified, your license can be suspended.

7. Child Support Delinquency

Failing to pay child support can lead to several consequences, including the suspension of your driving license, especially if mandated by a court order.

8. Failure to Pay State Taxes

If you owe significant state taxes and haven’t set up a payment plan or resolved the debt, the state may suspend your driving privileges as a collection action.

9. Medical Conditions

The DMV can suspend a license if they believe a driver’s medical condition makes them unfit to drive safely.

10. Involvement in a Fatal Accident

If involved in a fatal accident, especially if found at fault, a driver might face a license suspension.

How New York Ticket Defenders Can Help

Having your driver’s license suspended can significantly disrupt your daily life, affecting your ability to work, run errands, or even enjoy leisurely drives. Here’s how New York Ticket Defenders can assist if you find yourself facing a license suspension:

1. Assessing the Situation

Before taking any action, it’s crucial to understand why your license was suspended. New York Ticket Defenders will thoroughly review your situation, determine the cause of the suspension, and provide clear information on what led to it, be it unpaid fines, accumulated points, or other violations.

2. Crafting a Defense Strategy

Depending on the reason for your suspension, New York Ticket Defenders will devise an effective strategy to contest the suspension or minimize its duration. This might involve challenging the validity of traffic stops, disputing ticket accuracy, or presenting evidence that supports your case.

3. Assistance with Reinstatement

Once the suspension period is over, or if the suspension is lifted, there’s a procedure to reinstate your driving privileges. New York Ticket Defenders will guide you through the reinstatement process, ensuring you meet all the DMV’s requirements, from paying the reinstatement fees to completing any mandatory courses.

4. Negotiation and Plea Bargaining

In certain situations, New York Ticket Defenders might negotiate with the prosecution to reduce the charges or penalties. This can lead to lesser fines, reduced suspension periods, or even alternative penalties that don’t involve suspension.

5. Continuous Guidance and Support

License suspensions can have numerous complications, including insurance premium hikes, employment challenges, etc. New York Ticket Defenders provides continuous support, advising you on navigating these challenges and ensuring you’re not facing them alone.

Don’t Let a Suspension Set You Back!

Navigating NY traffic laws can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to face it alone. With New York Ticket Defenders by your side, ensure your driving rights are protected and reinstated swiftly. Act now, and drive confidently into the future!