7 Reasons How Your License Could Be Suspended
April 16, 2025
As a dedicated traffic law attorney, I know that facing license suspension can bring about significant challenges, both personally and professionally. Whether you're dealing with minor traffic law violations or more severe offenses, it's important to understand the reasons that could lead to the suspension of your license in New York. As an experienced lawyer in Buffalo, New York, I understand the serious impact a suspended license can have on your life.
New York State law can impose a variety of penalties on drivers, including the suspension or revocation of driving privileges. In many cases, the consequences go beyond just the loss of your ability to drive—they can affect your job, daily routines, and overall quality of life. Here at Michael Kuzma Attorney at Law, I’ll go over the common reasons why your license could be suspended in New York and offer guidance on how to avoid these situations.
1. Traffic Violations and Accumulating Points
One of the most common reasons for a suspended license is the accumulation of points on your driving record. In New York, the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) tracks your driving behavior through a point system. Each traffic violation you commit adds a certain number of points to your record, and accumulating too many points within a specific period can result in a license suspension. Common violations that add points include:
Speeding – Exceeding the speed limit by 11-20 mph results in 4 points on your license.
Reckless driving – A conviction for reckless driving adds 5 points to your record.
Driving without insurance – This violation can result in driver license and/or registration revocation as well as a fine, New York State surcharge, and civil penalty of $750.
Running a red light – You may face 3 points for running a red light, which can add up quickly.
When your point total reaches 11 within 24 months, your license will be suspended. If you’re facing multiple violations, it’s essential to act quickly and consult with a traffic law attorney who can help prevent further damage to your record.
2. Driving Under the Influence (DUI) of Alcohol or Drugs
One of the most severe reasons for a license suspension is being convicted of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. In New York State, a Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher is considered legally impaired for most drivers, and penalties increase if you’re involved in an accident, have a prior DUI conviction, or are a repeat offender. The state treats DUIs very seriously, and the consequences can extend far beyond a temporary loss of your driving privileges. DUI-related consequences for license suspension include:
First offense – A first-time DUI offense can result in a minimum 6-month license suspension.
Second offense – A second DUI offense within 18 years can lead to a 1-year license suspension.
Third or subsequent offense – If you've been convicted of a DUI multiple times, your license may be revoked, and you could face longer suspensions or permanent revocation.
Being arrested for driving under the influence can be a life-changing event, so it’s crucial to seek legal representation immediately. An attorney can assist you in fighting the charges or negotiating a reduced sentence.
3. Refusing to Take a Chemical Test
In New York, if you’re pulled over and the officer suspects you’ve been drinking or using drugs, they have the right to ask you to take a chemical test (either a breathalyzer or blood test). Refusing this test can lead to an automatic suspension of your license, regardless of whether you were under the influence. Consequences of refusing a chemical test include:
First refusal – A 1-year suspension of your driver’s license.
Second or subsequent refusal – A 2-year suspension for repeat offenders.
If you’ve refused a chemical test, you may face additional legal challenges. Without the test results, it can be more difficult for the prosecution to prove intoxication, but the suspension penalty for refusal is still enforced.
4. Serious Traffic Offenses
Certain traffic offenses in New York carry mandatory license suspensions due to their severity. If you're involved in a serious traffic offense, especially one involving injury or death, you could lose your license for a considerable amount of time. Some offenses that can lead to suspension include:
Vehicular manslaughter – Causing the death of another person while driving can result in the loss of your license, along with criminal charges.
Driving without a valid license – If you drive without a valid license or with a suspended or revoked license, it can result in further suspension or revocation.
Hit-and-run – Leaving the scene of an accident can lead to serious legal penalties, including license suspension.
These offenses carry severe consequences and may also result in criminal charges. Having a criminal defense or traffic law attorney by your side is essential in such cases.
5. Failure to Pay Traffic Fines or Child Support
In New York, failing to pay certain fines or support obligations can also result in the suspension of your driver’s license. If you neglect to pay traffic tickets or child support, the state may take action to suspend your license. Situations leading to suspension include:
Unpaid traffic tickets – If you ignore or fail to pay multiple traffic tickets, the DMV may suspend your license until the fines are paid.
Failure to pay child support – If you fall behind on child support payments, the state can suspend your license as part of the enforcement process.
It’s crucial to keep up with any financial obligations to avoid losing your license. If you’re struggling to pay, an attorney may be able to help you work out a payment plan or negotiate a solution.
6. Medical Conditions That Impair Your Ability to Drive
Certain medical conditions can also lead to a suspension of your driver’s license in New York. If you’re diagnosed with a condition that impairs your ability to drive safely, the DMV has the authority to suspend your license to protect public safety. Medical conditions that may lead to license suspension include:
Severe vision impairment – If your vision is too poor to pass the DMV vision test, your license could be suspended.
Seizure disorders – Conditions like epilepsy or other seizure disorders may require medical documentation before your license is reinstated.
Dementia or Alzheimer’s disease – If you’re diagnosed with a condition that affects your cognitive ability to drive safely, your license may be suspended until you can provide medical evidence that it’s safe for you to drive again.
If you face suspension due to a medical condition, you may be able to appeal the decision or submit medical documentation to get your license reinstated. Speak to a traffic law attorney to understand your options.
7. Unpaid Toll Violations
In New York, unpaid toll violations can accumulate and lead to the suspension of your license. The state uses an electronic tolling system, and if you neglect to pay your tolls or ignore toll notices, your license may be suspended. Some reasons unpaid tolls could result in suspension include:
Multiple unpaid tolls – If you have a significant number of unpaid tolls, the DMV may suspend your license until the tolls are paid.
Failure to pay toll violations – If you fail to respond to toll violation notices or appear in court, your license may be suspended.
It's essential to be mindful of any toll violations. If you dispute a toll charge, consult an attorney to determine the proper course of action.
Contact Us Today
If you’re facing a potential suspension of your license in New York State, it’s crucial to speak to a lawyer who can help protect your rights. At Michael Kuzma Attorney at Law in Buffalo, New York, I’ve assisted clients with all aspects of traffic law for years. I represent clients ticketed in New York State. Don’t let a suspended license disrupt your life—reach out today to discuss your case.