When you passed the driving test and got your driver’s license, you also acquired driving privilege. Driving brings about convenience as you no longer have to wait for any form of public transportation just to get from point A to point B. Due to this, what’ll you feel if you lose this privilege?
Don’t put all your efforts to waste. Learn the different ways a driver can lose driving privileges. This way, you’re ready when you’re confronted with different situations that can put your license at risk of suspension or revocation.
To keep you guided, below are some of the ways you can lose your driving privilege.
- Driving While Intoxicated (DWI)

A DWI conviction includes undergoing mandatory alcohol assessment, community service, paying fees or fines, probation, jail time, as well as the suspension or revocation of your driver’s license. The minimum imprisonment period is one to two days. A first offense can result in six months imprisonment.
When the authorities find aggravating factors, like a high blood alcohol concentration or an accident that resulted in serious bodily injuries, expect longer prison time. Imprisonment can last several years if someone died because of a DWI-related accident.
All in all, facing a DWI charge can put your driving privilege in jeopardy. So, you need to consult a DWI defense lawyer if you’ve been arrested and charged for a DWI case.
- Medical Condition
Are you suffering from a medical condition? If so, then it may render the driver unsuitable to drive, hence losing their driving privilege.
Here are the physical and mental conditions that can impair a person’s ability to operate a motor vehicle:
- Dementia
- Epilepsy
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Sleep disorders
- Visual problems such as cataracts and macular degeneration
- Diabetes
A DMV re-examination determines whether an individual’s driver’s license is subject to revocation due to a medical condition.
- Not Following Safety And Traffic Rules
Some of the safety features of a vehicle include airbags and seat belts. Failure to have the necessary safety measures related to your car can result in a violation, compromising your driving privilege.
Additionally, if you avoid the use of a mandatory ignition interlock device or tamper it, your license can be suspended for a year. Evading or fleeing from the police or roadblock can also result in the suspension of your license. It also holds true if you’ve accumulated offenses.
- Reckless Driving
This violation results in losing your driving privilege for 30 to 90 days. Hence, follow traffic rules and avoid overspeeding.
Do note that a new aggressive driving analysis confirms that men are more aggressive behind the wheel and tend to tailgate, speed, make rude gestures, and merge dangerously than women. However, women also have dangerous driving habits, such as running red lights.
If reckless driving results in an accident and the driver evades responsibility–hit and run–then the license is subject to suspension or revocation.
- Misrepresentation
If you lie about your age or when you misrepresent your identity, your license can be suspended. It also applies if you use another person’s license to procure alcohol. If you drive while having a high blood alcohol concentration (BAC), it can also result in license suspension, which is a form of misrepresentation.
Your license can be suspended if you have a counterfeit or altered driver’s license. Never misrepresent and alter your license, such as changing the photograph. Additionally, don’t sell or loan your license, marker plates, or registration as it can also result in losing your driving privilege.
7. Non-compliance Or Incomplete Driver Retraining Program
If you’re required by the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to attend or complete a driver retraining program, but you failed to do so, you may lose your driving privilege indefinitely. It also applies if you fail to appear in court or pay required fees, fines, and other charges.
8. Using A Car Without The Owner’s Permission
If you drive a motor vehicle without the owner’s permission or you tampered with the vehicle, your license can be suspended for one to two years. For instance, teenage or young adult drivers who drive their parents’ cars without permission and are caught by traffic officers may lose their driving privilege.
Conclusion
There are different ways you can lose your driving privilege. To avoid this, you need to drive safely and ensure you’re not under the influence of any drug or alcohol as it can alter your focus and clear thinking. Don’t compromise your driver’s license and your life. Additionally, keep yourself abreast with the latest news about safe driving and traffic laws.