Q. When 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;
failing to take 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?
First, get a certified copy of your driving history by filling out a Dept. of Motor Vehicle (DMV) J-23 form. Call 860-263-5700 for the form or go to a full-service DMV office. (The cost is $20.) Then you’ll know what you need to clear up. Next, call the DMV Suspension Unit to find out what you can do (860) 263-5720.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.
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. How do I get back my license if it is suspended because of a DUI conviction?
A. You have to pay a $125 reinstatement fee, get a "Certificate of Financial Responsibility" (call the DMV Suspension Unit to find out about this) and you may have to complete a substance abuse treatment program. If you have a third conviction after October 1, 1999, your license will be permanently revoked.
Q. What can I do if I need my car for work?
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 at (860) 263-5720 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.
Q. What can I do if my car registration is going to be cancelled?
A. What you do depends on why it will be cancelled.
No car insurance: If your insurance coverage is cancelled, the DMV is sent a notice by the insurance company and you are mailed a "Warning Notice." This notice will give you the chance to keep your car registered by signing a "consent agreement", getting insurance again, and paying a $100 fine. If you do not take these steps, your car registration will be cancelled. And, you may also lose the right to renew or register any motor vehicle.
If your registration is cancelled, you will have to pay a penalty of $250 for the first 30 days and $5 for each day after that. Call the DMV Insurance Compliance Unit at 860-263-5725.
Unpaid property taxes: Call the town which claims that 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 fine–otherwise you will have to pay a $125 reinstatement fee.
Q. What can I do if the suspension is wrong?
A. You have a right to a hearing. Call the DMV at (860) 263-5720 to set up a hearing. Also, call Statewide Legal Services for advice.
Questions? Call the DMV at 1-800-842-8222 or (860) 263-5700 or visit on the web at www.ct.gov/dmv
This information is based on laws in CT as of 7/2005. 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