There are several factors that could cause your license to be suspended or revoked in the District of Columbia, including a DUI, reckless driving, failing to pay child support, and fleeing from authorities. If you’re caught driving with a suspended license, you could face up to $5,000 in fines, one year in jail, and prolonged suspension or revocation of your license.
Driving is something most of us don’t think twice about—as long as you have your license, you’re good to go. But having your license suspended or revoked is easier than you think, and it can affect the cost of car insurance in D.C.
If you’re not sure about what can get you a license suspension or revocation or you’re not familiar with the laws in your state, it’s important to do your research before getting behind the wheel. Lucky for you, the car insurance
broker app Jerry
has sifted through the information about D.C. laws and created your one-stop shop for all things license laws. We’re breaking down the difference being a license suspension and revocation, and how your license can be suspended in the District of Columbia. 
4.7/5 rating on the App Store | Trusted by 5+ million customers and 7 million cars4.7/5 app rating | Trusted by 5M+ drivers What’s the difference between a license suspension and revocation?
When a person commits a traffic violation or legal offense, the DMV can revoke or suspend that driver’s license, which means that the license is no longer valid and the driver cannot legally operate a vehicle. Although “suspension” and “revocation” are often used synonymously with respect to driving, they’re not the same thing.
A license suspension is a temporary loss of driving privileges that will be reinstated after a specific period of time
A license revocation is the result of more serious offenses and can result in permanent removal of driving privileges (i.e. you may not be able to get your license reinstated)
The District of Columbia Department of Motor Vehicles (DC DMV) can suspend or revoke your driver’s license if you are found guilty of committing certain violations such as being caught driving under the influence or failing to pay child support payments. Keep reading to find out more.
What can your license be suspended for in the District of Columbia?
The DC DMV has the authority to suspend or revoke your license for a number of offenses. While you may not think some of them are applicable, knowing the laws is key to keeping your license! Here are some of the most common reasons:
1. If you fail to make payments for child support
You may not think child support payments are linked to your driver’s license, but failing to make your payment could result in your license being suspended or revoked. If you’ve had your license revoked for not paying child support, you can follow the directions listed on the DC DMV website
. 2. If you’ve accumulated too many points on your driver’s license
Racking up too many demerit points on your driver’s license can also result in a temporary suspension. Accumulating 10 to 11 points results in a 90-day suspension, while 12 or more points results in the revocation of your D.C. driver’s license and the loss of all driving privileges until the DMV reinstates your license—that’s a minimum of 6 months without being able to drive.
Not sure how points are accumulated? Take a look at this chart
to see what offenses can lose you points. 3. If you have been ticketed for a major driving offense
Most people are aware that driving under the influence
—be it drugs or alcohol— is dangerous, but it can also result in an immediate license suspension. For a first-time DUI offense, your license will be revoked for 6 months, you’ll have 12 points added to your driving record, and you will need to complete a driving retest before your license can be reinstated. For a second DUI offense, your license will be revoked for one year. Subsequent offenses will lead to a two-year revocation. If you’re convicted of a third DUI within 15 years, you’re looking at three years without a license.
4. If you have fled from the authorities
It may seem tempting to avoid the police and bypass the fines, but doing so can land you in big trouble with the law. Fleeing or attempting to elude the authorities in a motor vehicle can result in a license suspension for up to 180 days.
5. If you have refused a breathalyzer test
If you’re stopped by authorities for suspected driving under the influence and refuse a breathalyzer test, you could face severe consequences. In Washington D.C., obtaining a driver’s license means you’re subject to implied consent law—one which says that by driving a motor vehicle, you agree to submit to breath, urine, or blood tests when asked by law enforcement.
If you refuse, your license could be revoked for up to one year. The legal blood alcohol limit in D.C. is 0.08%, and operating a motor vehicle with a BAC above that is considered a crime.
6. If you have fled the scene of an accident that caused injury
Fleeing from the scene of an accident that resulted in injury comes with major implications for your driver’s license. A hit-and-run in D.C.
carries 12 points on your driving record, which leads to an automatic suspension for up to 6 months and the potential for your license to be revoked. 7. If you drive more than 30 mph over the posted speed limit
Speed limits are posted to keep drivers safe, but many people choose to blow past the limit because other cars are doing so. If you’re caught exceeding the posted speed limit by 30 mph or more, you could face a fine of up to $500 and a maximum of 90 days in jail, as well as the potential for a license suspension.
8. If you’re convicted of assault or vehicular homicide
It should go without saying that if you’re convicted of assault or homicide involving a motor vehicle, it will cost you 12 points on your driving record—enough to have your license revoked. Other consequences include fines and jail time.
9. If you’re deemed unfit to drive
The DC DMV can order a re-examination of any individual they deem may not be fit to drive, which can result in a license suspension until they are found to be physically or psychologically able to safely operate a motor vehicle.
10. If you’re driving without valid District of Columbia insurance
The Washington D.C. DMV requires that all drivers maintain the minimum liability coverage
, which includes the following: Third-party liability: $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident
Uninsured motorist bodily injury: $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident
Uninsured motorist property damage: $5,000 subject to $200 deductible
It is illegal to both operate and register an uninsured vehicle in D.C., and both offenses come with different fines. If you’re stopped and can’t provide proof of valid insurance, you could face a fine of up to $750, which increases by 50% with every subsequent offense. If your vehicle isn’t insured, you could face fines of up to $2,500.
For all residents failing to comply with the law, you could also be dinged with a 60-day license suspension.
How to save money on car insurance in the District of Columbia
Driving in D.C. without valid car insurance is a felony and can result in a suspension of your license, so it’s important to make sure you’re fully covered. Jerry,
the car insurance shopping app and licensed broker
connects you with 50+ of the top insurance providers to find you the best coverage at the lowest price. All you have to do is download the app, enter your information, and Jerry sends you customized quotes. Once you pick the policy that’s right for you, Jerry’s team of experts will take care of the rest. All you have to do is sit back and watch the savings pile in—Jerry users save an average of $887 a year on car insurance!
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