Reasons for a Driver’s License Suspension

A driver’s license suspension can derail your everyday life – making getting to work, picking up your kids from school, and running those inevitable errands almost impossible. There are a variety of charges that can lead to a driver’s license suspension in the State of Indiana, and if one of them has been levied against you, it’s time to consult with an experienced Indiana traffic attorney. 

Habitual Traffic Violator

The State of Indiana has what is known as an HTV (habitual traffic violator) law that imposes harsh penalties for anyone who has committed traffic offenses repeatedly over the course of 10 years. Any two of the following convictions during this time frame can lead to a driver’s license suspension of 10 years:

• Reckless homicide that results from the operation of a motor vehicle
• A hit and run conviction related to an injury-causing or fatal accident
• Involuntary or voluntary manslaughter that results from the operation of a motor vehicle
• A conviction of operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated that leads to a fatal accident

If the two charges in question are both operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated (that leads to a fatality), the license suspension can be for life. There are a variety of license suspension penalties related to HTVs, and they are all serious. 

Common Reasons for Driver’s License Suspension

Driver’s licenses can be revoked for a wide range of legal reasons, but some of the most common include:

• Driving without the required car insurance
• Acquiring too many traffic violations within a specific period
• Driving while under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol
• Intentionally failing to pay court-ordered child support 
• Being convicted of reckless homicide in a vehicle

The Point Value System

Indiana assesses a specific point value to specific traffic violations, and an accumulation of 20 or more points (points stay active on your record for two years from the date of the conviction) leads to license suspension. Consider the following point allotments:

• Traveling 1 to 15 miles over the speed limit carries 2 points.
• Traveling 16 to 25 miles over the speed limit carries 4 points.
• Traveling 26 or more miles over the speed limit carries 6 points.
• Failing to use headlights when necessary carries 2 points. 
• Making an illegal U-turn carries 4 points.
• Ignoring a stop sign or yield sign carries 4 points. 
• Failing to yield the right-of-way to an emergency vehicle carries 6 points. 
• Following another vehicle too closely carries 6 points. 
• Driving with a suspended license carries 8 points. 
• Engaging in a speed contest on the road carries 8 points. 

Reach out to an Experienced Indiana Traffic Attorney Today

A license suspension can make the business of living your life on a day-to-day basis exceptionally challenging, which makes fighting traffic convictions well worth the effort. The accomplished Indiana traffic attorneys at Arshad, Pangere & Warring have a wealth of experience successfully guiding legal situations like yours toward favorable conclusions, and we’re here for you, too. To learn more, please don’t wait to contact us today.