Driving is a necessity for some individuals, but according to Pennsylvania law, a license is considered a privilege that comes with certain responsibilities. Failing to meet these obligations can lead to significant repercussions.
PennDOT and the point system
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) is responsible for all the rules regarding motor vehicles in the state, and assigns points for traffic offenses such as speeding or ignoring stop signs. Accumulating 11 points or more results in a license suspension, accompanied by a written notice stating the suspension start date.
The duration of subsequent suspensions due to accumulated points becomes progressively more severe. For instance, the first suspension is 5 days per point, the second increases to 10 days per point, and so on.
Immediate and mandatory suspensions
There are some main causes of an immediate license suspension in the state:
- Refusal to test: Declining to undergo chemical testing under Pennsylvania’s Implied Consent Law results in an automatic 12-month license suspension, regardless of the outcome of any conviction.
- Fleeing an officer: Escaping from the police can lead to a 12-month suspension.
- Felony vehicle use: Using a vehicle to commit a felony results in a suspension, which is in addition to any criminal penalties imposed. If a felony, such as drug trafficking, is committed in a commercial vehicle, the suspension could be permanent
Driving with a suspended license can quickly escalate from a traffic violation to a criminal offense. If the original suspension was for a DUI-related offense, the driver faces mandatory jail time, in addition to fines and additional suspensions.
A guiding presence
PennDOT’s requirements can be complex, and this is where a knowledgeable Pennsylvania lawyer might help navigate the different challenges that stand between you and full driving privileges.
