The 10 Most Common Ways to Get a Suspended License in West Virginia

No matter the reason, if you drive with a suspended license in West Virginia, you could go to jail.
Written by Matt Nightingale
Reviewed by Kathleen Flear
Your license can be suspended or revoked in West Virginia for several reasons, ranging from vehicular manslaughter to driving without insurance. It is illegal to drive with a suspended license in West Virginia, and this could leave you facing hefty fines and even jail time. 
Some suspendable offenses are more obvious than others: Every state will take away your license if you are caught driving under the influence, but did you know that your license can be suspended in West Virginia if you drop out of high school? 
Keeping track of all the things that will get your license suspended can be difficult. Fortunately,
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What’s the difference between a license suspension and revocation?

The West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) has the authority to suspend or revoke driver’s licenses. Although the words “suspend” and “revoke” are often used interchangeably, they do have different meanings, and therefore carry different weights concerning your driver’s license.
A license suspension is a temporary punishment.
If your license is suspended
, you won’t be allowed to drive for a certain period of time. After that period is over, or predetermined conditions have been met, your driving privileges can be reinstated.
If your license has been revoked, it means it has been canceled.
Revocation is usually reserved for more serious violations
or for repeat offenses. If your license has been revoked, you’ll likely need to reapply if you want to get your license back. 
The decision to suspend or revoke a license is up to the courts and will depend on things like the severity of the offense, and whether the driver is a repeat offender.

What can your license be suspended for in West Virginia?

There are a number of offenses that can result in a suspended or revoked license in West Virginia. Many of these offenses are driving-related, but there are some non-driving-related offenses that can lead to license suspension. Here’s a look at some of the most common reasons for a suspended license in the Mountain State.

1. If you fail to pay a fine

West Virginia issues fines for traffic violations. If you fail to pay these fines promptly, your license can be suspended. 
Fines in West Virginia increase for repeat offenses, which can make them difficult to pay off if they pile up. If you are convicted of a traffic violation, make sure you know what the deadline is to pay your fine.

2. If you fail to appear for a traffic summons

Failure to appear in traffic court can result in a suspended license. If you get a traffic ticket, be sure to read it carefully and note any court dates listed on it. To avoid having your license suspended, you must respond to the court within 90 days of your scheduled court appearance.

3. Using a fake driver’s license

It’s illegal to use a fake ID in any state. In West Virginia, if you use a fraudulent driver’s license or lend your driver’s license to someone for a fraudulent purpose, your license can be suspended. Your real license, not the fake one.

4. If you collect too many violation points

Like many states, West Virginia operates on a
driver violation points system
. As points stack up, suspensions can be issued. A 30-day license suspension is given to drivers who rack up 12 to 13 points, while 20 or more points can result in a suspension of two years or more.

5. If you don’t pay child support

If you default on child support payments in West Virginia, a circuit court can order that your driver's license be suspended indefinitely until you’re caught up on all payments.

6. If you drop out of high school

West Virginia is one of 29 states that have laws linking students’ driver’s licenses to their academic performance. Drivers under the age of 18 must be enrolled, and show academic progress, in a secondary school or equivalent to keep their driving privileges. 
If you’re a student and you drop out or get kicked out of high school, your license can be suspended until you turn 18, at which point you can re-apply.

7. If you commit a violation that causes death or serious injury

Drivers responsible for serious injury, death, or property damage can have their license suspended for 30 days or more in West Virginia. Safe driving is always the best way to avoid this serious and lengthy suspension.

8. If you are convicted of an offense in another state.

If you commit a driving offense in another state that would be grounds for suspension in West Virginia, your license can be suspended in West Virginia. Be sure to familiarize yourself with local traffic laws when you’re driving out of state.

9. If you have a BAC of over 0.08%

West Virginia DUI laws
require your blood alcohol concentration, or BAC, to be under 0.08% to legally operate a motor vehicle. If you are caught driving over the limit, your license can be suspended for up to six months. 
If you are caught driving with a BAC of 0.15% or higher, not only will your license be suspended, but you could serve between one day and six months in jail.

10. If you don’t maintain West Virginia car insurance

Car insurance is mandatory for drivers in West Virginia. The state’s Insurance Commissioner sets the mandatory minimum for car insurance at:
Driving without insurance
in West Virginia is grounds for a 30-day driver’s license suspension.

How to save money on car insurance in West Virginia

Regardless of what your driving history looks like, you can still find a great deal on car insurance by downloading the
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