Driving is essential in the United States, which is why license suspensions are one of the most effective tools for state governments to ensure drivers stay compliant. Your

Oklahoma driver's license

can be suspended or revoked for almost any action that proves you could be a danger to others when you sit behind the wheel of a motor vehicle. There are serious consequences for driving with a suspended license, and it'll make it harder to find

cheap car insurance in Oklahoma.

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What’s the difference between a license suspension and revocation?

In short, the difference between license suspensions and revocations is the duration and the steps required to get your license reinstated. Even though they seem like interchangeable terms, license revocations are more serious than suspensions.

Let’s dive deeper into the differences:

When your license gets suspended, you’ll lose driving privileges for a predetermined amount of time, and typically be able to drive again after that time has ended.

When your license gets revoked, you won’t be able to use your license until you complete specific steps to have it reinstated.

Remember that Oklahoma’s DMV can revoke or suspend licenses for several reasons. While knowing what actions warrant a license suspension can help you avoid them, staying safe on the road and respecting the law is the best way to eliminate the risk of these penalties.

MORE:

9 common reasons your license can be revoked

What can your license be suspended for in Oklahoma?

The state of Oklahoma has the right to suspend your license for a range of reasons, but many of them are specialized situations like assault or manslaughter. That said, here are some of the most common reasons you could lose your driving privileges in Oklahoma.

1. If you drive under the influence

Driving under the influence in Oklahoma

is a serious offense. A single DUI could warrant a suspension of at least 180 days. A second DUI could earn you a suspension of at least one year, and any subsequent offenses are punishable with a minimum three-year suspension.

2. If you refuse a breathalyzer test

When you hit the road, you’re also agreeing to abide by Oklahoma’s driving laws. This means you’re required to take any necessary intoxication test when pulled over for driving under the influence. Failing to comply could warrant an indefinite license suspension.

3. If you fail to appear in court

When prompted to appear in court by Oklahoma’s Department of Public Safety (DPS), failing to attend could result in a license suspension. The suspension typically remains in place until you’ve settled the matter with the DPS.

4. If you fail to comply with a sentence

Similar to how the DPS can suspend your license if you fail to appear in court, choosing to ignore the sentence you’re given can result in an indefinite license suspension. To get your license reinstated, you’ll usually need to contact the DPS and comply with the given sentence.

5. If you collect too many violation points

Oklahoma has a

license point

system in place that assigns drivers points for traffic violations. Drivers who accumulate more than 10 points in five years face license suspension for up to 12 months.

MORE:

8 things to know about driver's license points

6. If you don’t maintain Oklahoma car insurance

Like most states,

Oklahoma has car insurance laws

that ensure all drivers are financially protected on the road. However, getting into an accident without the proper car insurance coverage can warrant a license suspension for as long as it takes to pay the fine and update your policy.

7. If you commit a violation resulting in injuries

While each offense is unique in its penalties, drivers who ignore road signs (like red lights or stop signs) can get their licenses suspended for up to three years. Too many offenses could even warrant a license revocation.

8. If you drive with medical impairments

While you can typically drive if you’re sick or have minor ailments, choosing to drive while impaired by severe illness can warrant a license suspension. Since the reason for this suspension is based on road safety, the severity of the suspension depends on the circumstances.

9. If you commit a felony in a motor vehicle

When you’re convicted of a felony that involves your motor vehicle, the consequences will be harsh—and they’ll be specific to your offense. That said, first-time offenders will have their license suspended for a minimum of one year. Anyone convicted of subsequent offenses could have their license suspended for up to three years.

10. If you fail to stop for a school bus

Failing to stop for a school bus that’s loading or unloading children is considered a felony in Oklahoma, as it endangers the children on the bus. Choosing to speed past a stopped school bus could warrant suspensions of one to three years, depending on how many violations you’re convicted of.

MORE: Reckless driving in Oklahoma

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