Your Driver's License FAQ
Answers to questions on driving outside of your state, driving with a suspended or revoked license, and driving when you're over 65.
Is my driver's license good in every state?
If I get a ticket in another state, will it affect my driver's license?
Can I use my driver's license in a foreign country?
» When can my driver's license be suspended or revoked?
What will happen if I'm caught driving with a suspended or revoked license?
My elderly friend is becoming unsafe at the wheel. Will her license be taken away?
When can my driver's license be suspended or revoked?
Driving a car is considered a privilege -- and a state won't hesitate to take it away if a driver behaves irresponsibly on the road. A state may temporarily suspend your driving privileges for a number of reasons, including:
- driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- refusing to take a blood-alcohol test
- driving without liability insurance
- speeding
- reckless driving
- leaving the scene of an injury accident
- failing to pay a driving-related fine
- failing to answer a traffic summons, or
- failing to file an accident report.
In addition, many states use a "point" system to keep track of a driver's moving violations: Each moving violation is assigned a certain number of points. If a driver accumulates too many points within a given period of time, the department of motor vehicles suspends her license.
If you have too many serious problems as a driver, your state may take away (revoke) your license altogether. If this happens, you'll have to wait a certain period of time before you can apply for another license. Your state may deny your application if you have a poor driving record or fail to pass any required tests. For more information, see Fines, License Suspensions, and Traffic School.
Finally, a few states revoke or refuse to renew drivers' licenses of parents who owe back child support.
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