If you have been convicted of a serious traffic violation, such as driving while under the influence (DUI), or have accumulated multiple traffic violations resulting in twelve or more points on your current driving record, your driving privileges will be suspended. A license suspension means that your driving privileges will be taken away for a period of time. When an individual has their driving privileges suspended, it can disrupt their everyday life as their mobility is significantly reduced. Driving is necessary to get children to school, travel to work, and fulfill family responsibilities. As such, many people wonder whether there are any ways in which they can get their license back early after a suspension. Please continue reading to learn how to reinstate your standard driver’s license after a suspension and how a dedicated Bergen County Traffic Violations Attorney can help you today.
How do you get your license restored after a suspension in New Jersey?
There are various reasons why someone’s driver’s license may be suspended, and the duration of the suspension will vary depending on the offense. During the suspension period, drivers cannot get behind the wheel until their license has been fully reinstated. It is imperative to note that the driver does not automatically regain their driving privileges when the suspension period ends. They must first complete the necessary steps, including paying the required fees.
How much does it cost to have your license reinstated?
Drivers will have to pay a reinstatement fee to the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MCV), which is $100. Drivers must submit proof of payment of outstanding fines or tickets to the MVC to restore their license. After you have completed the suspension period and paid the required fees, you will receive a Notice of Restoration in the mail.
Getting your license back after a DUI suspension
Following a DUI or DWI conviction in New Jersey, your license will generally be suspended. As such, if you wish to restore your driving privileges, you’ll need to go through a long and complex process to ensure you have met all legal and financial requirements. Those seeking the restoration of their license will need to undergo the following steps:
- Complete the Entire Suspension Period: Unlike other states, New Jersey does not allow drivers to obtain conditional, hardship, or work licenses that allow drivers with a suspended license to operate a vehicle for work, school, or other permitted purposes. As such, you will be unable to drive for the entirety of your court-ordered suspension period.
- Install an Ignition Interlock Device (IID): In some instances, depending on your BAC level and the nature of your violation, the court may require you to install an Ignition Interlock Device in your vehicle for the duration of your license suspension, and often an additional period after your privileges are restored.
- Satisfy the Intoxicated Driver Resource Center (IDRC) Mandate: Those convicted of DUI or DWI in New Jersey are generally sentenced to spend time at the IDRC or other treatment programs. As part of the license restoration process, you must completely satisfy the hours, screenings, or mandated courses before your license suspension is lifted.
- Pay All Mandatory Fees and Surcharges: You are required to settle:
- A $100 Motor Vehicle Commission restoration fee
- A $100 Driving Program fee
- A $225 drunk driving surcharge to the court.
- You will be subject to an annual NJ MVC insurance surcharge of $1,000 per year for three consecutive years (escalating to $1,500 per year for a third offense).
- Receive Written Notice of Restoration: You cannot legally operate a vehicle until you receive your official Notice of Restoration in the mail from the MVC. If your license expired during the suspension period, you must visit an MVC agency to have a new license issued.
What Happens if You are Caught Driving with a Suspended License?
If a driver gets behind the wheel while their license is suspended, it is a serious offense that will result in additional penalties. This includes a minimum of $500 in fines, surcharges, and additional license suspension periods. Ultimately, it is not possible to get your license back early after a suspension. However, you can take steps to get it back once the suspension period is over.
If your license has been suspended due to a serious offense, you need a skilled Bergen County traffic violations attorney. At The Law Office of Carl Spector, we can assist you in fighting to reduce your license suspension. It is crucial to have an experienced lawyer who can guide you through every step of this complex legal process and advocate for you. Our firm is prepared to work tirelessly to defend your rights and interests.