Published by Following the passage of a new California state law in 2017, the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is prohibited from suspending a person’s driver’s license for unpaid traffic tickets.
However, a suspension can occur for specific traffic offenses and point accumulation.
Table Of Contents
- When Can Unpaid Traffic Tickets Lead to a License Suspension?
- Criminal Traffic Tickets That Lead to License Suspension
- What Happens If You Are Caught Driving with a Suspended License?
- How to Reinstate a Suspended Driver’s License in California
- California Traffic Statistics
- FAQs
- Get a Free Lawsuit Evaluation With Our Lawyers
Quick Answer: How Many Tickets Will Suspend Your License?
In California, your license will be suspended if you accumulate:
- 4 points in 12 months
- 6 points in 24 months
- 8 points in 36 months
Points are assigned based on violations. Reckless driving, DUI, or hit-and-run offenses add more points than minor infractions like speeding. Below is a chart summarizing common violations and their corresponding point values.
| Violation | Points |
|---|---|
| Speeding (1-15 mph over) | 1 |
| Speeding (16+ mph over) | 2 |
| Reckless driving | 2 |
| DUI | 2 |
| Hit-and-run | 2 |
| Failure to stop at a red light | 1 |
| Driving without a license | 1 |
When Can Unpaid Traffic Tickets Lead to a License Suspension?
Previously, unpaid traffic tickets led to license suspensions when California courts reported non-payment to the DMV.
However, Assembly Bill 103, passed in 2017, removed the courts’ authority to notify the DMV about unpaid fines. As a result, failure to pay traffic tickets alone will not lead to a suspension.
That said, if you willfully fail to appear in court for a traffic ticket, your license can still be suspended.
Criminal Traffic Tickets That Lead to License Suspension
Certain criminal traffic offenses result in automatic license suspension:
- DUI (Driving Under the Influence) of alcohol or drugs
- Failure to appear in court
- Vandalism using a vehicle
Additionally, if you accumulate too many driving record points, your license will be suspended based on the following thresholds:
- 4 points in 12 months
- 6 points in 24 months
- 8 points in 36 months
For serious violations, such as DUI or reckless driving, suspension is immediate. In some cases, a restricted license may be granted to allow commuting to work.
What Happens If You Are Caught Driving with a Suspended License?
Driving with a suspended license is a misdemeanor in California and carries harsh penalties:
- First offense: Fines up to $1,000, additional suspension, and possible jail time.
- Subsequent offenses: Increased fines, mandatory jail time, and longer suspension periods.
- If the suspension was due to DUI, penalties are significantly worse.
How to Reinstate a Suspended Driver’s License in California
If your license is suspended due to traffic violations, here are your options:
1. Contest Recent Tickets in Court
Fighting tickets in court may lead to dismissals, but it requires legal knowledge. Hiring a traffic attorney increases the chances of a favorable outcome.
2. Pay Your Outstanding Fines
To resolve suspension due to unpaid tickets, you must:
- Request a full account of unpaid tickets from the DMV or parking authority.
- Pay the balance and ensure all past-due tickets are cleared.
- Follow up with the DMV to confirm reinstatement eligibility.
3. Request a Payment Plan or Alternative Programs
Some courts offer:
- Payment plans
- Community service alternatives
- Traffic school (for minor violations to remove points)
Once fines are paid, your license can be reinstated by:
- Completing a mandatory suspension period
- Filing proof of insurance (SR-22 form)
- Paying a license reinstatement fee to the DMV
California Traffic Statistics
Below are recent California traffic statistics to highlight road safety concerns:
| Category | 2020 | 2021 | % Change |
| Traffic Fatalities | 3,980 | 4,285 | +7.6% |
| Alcohol-Impaired Driving Fatalities | 1,180 | 1,370 | +16% |
| Drug-Impaired Driving (Drivers Tested Positive) | 58.4% | 52.9% | -5.5% |
| Unrestrained Passenger Fatalities | 782 | 878 | +12.4% |
| Motorcycle Fatalities | 549 | 565 | +3% |
| Pedestrian Fatalities | 1,013 | 1,108 | +9.4% |
According to the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) [1].Related Article: What Happens if You Don’t Pay a Ticket
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FAQs
Can I Drive to Work with a Suspended License?
You may qualify for a restricted license that allows you to drive to work, school, or medical appointments. This must be applied for through the DMV.
What Are the Penalties for Driving with a Suspended License?
Penalties include:
- Fines up to $1,000
- Extended suspension periods
- Possible jail time, especially for repeat offenses
Can I Appeal a License Suspension?
Yes, you can request a DMV administrative hearing to contest a suspension. This must be done within 10 days of receiving your suspension notice. An attorney can help improve your chances of success.
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If you or a loved one was involved with these matters, you should contact our law firm immediately for a free case evaluation. You may be entitled to a settlement by filing a suit and we can help.
References:
- https://www.ots.ca.gov/ots-and-traffic-safety/score-card/