Questions & Answers about
Your Driver’s License & Car Registration

October 2008

Q. Why can my driver’s license be suspended?

A. Your driver’s license can be suspended for many reasons. Here are a few of the reasons:

• not having car insurance;
• speeding, reckless driving, or driving under the influence (DUI);
• being involved in a hit and run accident;
• not taking a blood, breath or urine test when asked by the police;
• not paying parking tickets;
• not paying child support on time, and more.

Q. What can I do if my license is suspended?

A. First, find out what you need to clear up by getting a certified copy of your driving history. To get this history, fill out a Department of Motor Vehicle (DMV) J-23 form. (To get a form, call DMV or go to a full-service office.) Next, call the DMV Suspension Unit to find out what you can do.

Q. How do I get back my license if it is suspended because of a DUI conviction?

A. If your license is suspended because of a DUI conviction, you should talk with a lawyer or the DMV Suspension Unit to find out your options. Any time your license is suspended, you will have to pay a $125 reinstatement fee. If you have 3 DUI convictions, your license will be permanently revoked.

Q. I need my car for work...what can I do?

A. It is possible to get a work permit which allows you to drive your car -- but only to and from work. Call the DMV’s Suspension Unit for a work permit application. There are times when a permit will not be given (such as if you are caught driving while under suspension).

Note: Except for getting your driving history, license restoration or suspension transactions are not done at DMV offices--they must be done by mail.

Q. What can I do if my car registration is going to be suspended?

A. It depends on the reason for the suspension.

• No car insurance: If your insurance coverage is cancelled, the insurance company sends DMV a notice. DMV mails you a “Warning Notice” that tells how to keep your car registered by signing a “consent agreement”, getting insurance again, and paying a $200 fee. If you do not take these steps, your car registration will be suspended. If you take these steps within 6 months, you can keep your plate numbers and reinstate your current registration by showing proof of insurance and paying the $200 fee. After 6 months, you will have to get a new registration, show proof of insurance, and pay the $200 fee for not having insurance. Call the DMV Insurance Compliance Unit.
• Unpaid property taxes: Call the town which claims you owe property tax and speak with the Revenue or Tax Collector. If you pay the tax before your registration is cancelled, you will not have to pay a $125 reinstatement fee. Otherwise you will have to pay the $125 fee.

Q. My license is suspended because of unpaid parking tickets...what should I do?

A. If you pay the parking tickets before the suspension starts, you will not have to pay an additional fee. You will only have to prove that you paid the tickets. If you pay the tickets on or after the suspension starts, you will have to pay an additional $125 reinstatement fee. To make payments, call the court at the phone number listed on your suspension notice.

Q. What can I do if the suspension is wrong?

A. You have a right to a hearing. Call the DMV to set up a hearing.

This information is based on laws in CT as of 10/2008.  It is not intended as legal advice for an individual situation; individuals should consult with a lawyer if possible.  Produced by the Legal Assistance Resource Center of CT.   www.larcc.org