Understanding Driver’s License Consequences
As a driver on the roadways, part of your responsibility is to understand the possible penalties associated with certain actions. In addition to assigning ticket fines in South Carolina, judges are also able to distribute judgements that affect a driver’s license. The wording associated with these consequences can be confusing, so here’s a guide to the various types of actions that can affect your license.
Cancellation and Withdrawal
While a license cancellation doesn’t actually result from a traffic violation, it does affect one’s ability to use the roadways. If a driver has used untrue information to obtain a license, a cancellation can be issued on account of the driver being ineligible to operate a motorized vehicle. A withdrawal is a similar term that is used if a driver is found to be unqualified to hold a license. While these consequences can accompany ticket fines in South Carolina, they are more often the result of inaccurate information.
Suspension
If drivers rack up too many points for traffic violations, they may have their license suspended. A suspension is a temporary consequence for one-time violations of a more serious nature as well as multiple tickets in a short amount of time. Traffic tickets involving drugs and alcohol can result in a suspended license, but there are other violations that can yield the same consequence. Earning the label of habitual offender by being ticketed too many times can mean a suspension, while loaning your car to a racer for illegal street racing can also land you without a license for a while. Certain tasks, like retaking driving tests, may need to be completed before the license can be restored.
Revocation
The most drastic action that can be taken in regards to a driver’s license is a revocation. This consequence is reserved for drivers who demonstrate risky behavior and need to be immediately removed from the roadways. Examples of such violations include careless driving that causes another person’s death, using a vehicle to commit a felony and racing illegally on public roads. If there is an accident in which one driver is injured, all involved parties must stop to help or else they face license revocation, even if they were not at fault. When attempting to reinstate a revoked license, drivers are treated as if they are first-time applicants and must complete a new application. Depending on the judgement given, drivers may also be required to pay fines before a new license will be given.
Understanding these terms can help drivers recognize the consequences associated with their actions and the seriousness of certain violations. If mistakes are made, legal help is often sought to get counsel on the best way to regain a license.