If you have a suspended driver’s license, or your suspension is pending, there are several steps you must take to regain your driving privileges. With DMV closures due to COVID-19, however, many people are wondering how to move forward and restore their driving status. As New York City’s choice for traffic defense, Stites Law can help you resolve your suspended license issues so you can go about your life.
There are two types of suspensions, each requiring a different solution:
Definite suspensions: Has a clear beginning and end date. Common reasons for definite suspensions are:
- you did not have automobile liability insurance
- you were convicted of an alcohol or drugged driving charge
- you received too many traffic tickets in a certain amount of time
- you did not follow the rules for junior drivers
If you pay the suspension termination fee before your driver’s suspension period ends, the DMV will mail your new license. They will not mail your new license if:
- your driver license has expired
- you have a commercial driver license (CDL)
- you have a conditional or restricted license
- you have other suspensions, revocations or problems with your driver license
Indefinite suspensions: You must take certain actions before it can be removed. Common reasons for indefinite suspensions are:
- you did not answer a traffic ticket
- you did not pay a traffic ticket fine
- you did not file a motor vehicle accident report
- you failed to pay child support
DMV Resources
Regardless of which type of suspension you were given, the New York State DMV has shifted most operations online to accommodate your needs, and has some information regarding your suspension:
- If you were suspended for an insurance lapse, you can submit proof of insurance online. If the vehicle is not insured and the registration is still valid, you must surrender your registration and plates to the DMV. If you are required to pay the suspension termination fee, you can pay online. See more information about insurance lapses here.
- If you were suspended because you did not answer a traffic ticket issued in New York City (the ticket will say “Traffic Violations Bureau”), you can plead or pay for the ticket online. If the traffic ticket was issued in any other part of New York State, you must contact the local court directly. DMV’s My License, Permit or ID service can give you additional information about where to respond to a traffic ticket.
- If you were suspended because you did not pay a fine for a traffic ticket issued in New York City (the ticket will say “Traffic Violations Bureau”), you can pay the fine online. If the traffic ticket was issued in any other part of New York State, you must contact the local court directly. The DMV’s My License service can provide you with additional information about where to pay a traffic ticket.
- To remove a suspension for failure to pay child support, you must contact the local child support enforcement agency or the NY State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA). The OTDA website has a list of local child support enforcement agencies.
Roadblocks to a Pending License Suspension
We understand that COVID-19 could affect your ability to satisfy the requirements needed to resolve both suspension types. Financial security is low due to high unemployment rates, and you may not be able to pay the required fees to restore your driving privileges. You may have an expired driver’s license and need assistance getting a new one in order to have your definite suspension lifted.
Another example could be that you have a suspended license but, as a single parent or resident, you need to use your car to get groceries or make an urgent trip. COVID-19 has required thousands of people to work harder to provide for their families and adjust to stay-home orders. With the high-risk of using ridesharing services at this time, it’s unreasonable to expect New Yorkers with suspended licenses to entirely avoid driving their cars.
Desperate times call for Stites Law.
Steer Clear of Pending License Suspension Issues by Contacting Us!
All of these obstacles can be placed in the hands of our traffic attorneys to work on a legal resolution. Our team will examine each aspect of your pending license suspension and apply our extensive knowledge of the law to work in your favor. Rather than spending hours, or even days, dealing with the DMV on this matter on your own, Stites Law will gladly take matters into our own hands.
We’re in this together. Contact us online or call (212) 729-0472 for your free consultation! We are available 24/7.