Following traffic laws won’t only reduce the risk of accidents. You’ll also avoid marks on your record that could lead to driver’s license penalties, including suspension. Getting behind the wheel with a suspended license could get you in even more legal trouble, including permanent revocation of your driving credentials. To avoid the hassle of losing your license, below are common mistakes to avoid on the road.    

Top Reasons Your Driver’s License Could Be Suspended 

1. Driving Under the Influence of Drugs or Alcohol

Driving while drunk or on drugs will impair your judgment, making it difficult to follow traffic laws and putting other motorists and pedestrians in danger. If you’re convicted of a DUI, your license will be suspended. In North Carolina, a first DUI offense comes with a 60 day to one-year suspension. With another DUI charge on your record, you could lose your license for one to four years. With three offenses or more, it could be permanently revoked by the state. When this happens, you’ll have to wait, typically a few years or more, to plead your case with the circuit court and have it reinstated. 

2. Driving Recklessly 

If you’re charged with reckless driving, a judge might decide to suspend your license. When the case is brought to court, road and weather conditions, the level of traffic, the speed you were going, and whether you were distracted are factors the judge considers when deciding how long to suspend your license. You can ask for a compliance summary from the DMV to see what requirements you must meet to get your license reinstated. This could include taking driver safety courses to refamiliarize yourself with traffic laws. 

3. Driving With a Medical Impairment 

If you get into an accident or are driving dangerously due to a mental or physical impairment, your license could be suspended until the issue is under control. For example, driving with dementia, cataracts, or Alzheimer's disease could impact your ability to drive safely and lead to an indefinite license suspension. To get the license reinstated, you might have to retake the driving test and file routine medical reports with the DMV.

If you have traffic law violations on your record, the professionals at Wood & Rabil, LLP Attorneys at Law in Winston-Salem, NC, are available to offer legal assistance. With more than 80 years of combined experience, the traffic ticket and DUI attorneys can guide you through stressful situations and provide advice to get your license reinstated. To ask questions and get legal help in the Forsyth County area, call (336) 722-5700. Visit the law firm online to meet the team.