License Suspension in Delaware

What are the common reasons for driver’s license suspension in Delaware?

1. Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
2. Accumulating too many driving points
3. Unpaid fines or fees
4. Driving without insurance
5. Failing to appear in court for a traffic violation
6. Failing to pay child support
7. Fraudulent application or misuse of a driver’s license
8. Habitual reckless driving
9. Failing to meet medical qualifications for driving

Is there a difference between a temporary and a permanent license suspension in Delaware?

Yes, there is a difference between a temporary and a permanent license suspension in Delaware. A temporary suspension will generally last for a set period of time, and provides an opportunity for the driver to complete certain requirements before getting their license back. A permanent suspension usually means the driver’s license has been revoked and they will not be able to get their license back.

How does unpaid traffic fines or tickets affect driver’s license suspension in Delaware?

In Delaware, unpaid traffic fines or tickets can lead to a driver’s license suspension. If a driver fails to pay a traffic fine or ticket, the court will notify the Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and the suspension will be entered on the driver’s record. The driver may be given a certain amount of time to pay the fine before the suspension is enforced. If the driver fails to pay the fine within this timeline, their license will be suspended until they are able to settle their debt.

What is the process for reinstating a suspended driver’s license in Delaware?

1. Contact the Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV). You will need to contact the Delaware DMV to determine what must be done to reinstate your suspended license. There may be a fee associated with reinstating your license.

2. Pay any outstanding fines. If your driver’s license was suspended because of unpaid fines, you must pay them before the DMV can reinstate your license.

3. Complete any necessary paperwork. Depending on the reason for your license suspension, you may be required to submit additional paperwork or documentation to the DMV.

4. Take a road test, if required. If your license was suspended due to accumulating too many moving violations or other dangerous driving habits, you may be required to take a road test as part of the reinstatement process.

5. Take a substance abuse course, if required. If your driver’s license was suspended due to driving while impaired or excessive speeding, you may be required to complete a substance abuse course in order to have your license reinstated.

Are there specific penalties for driving with a suspended license in Delaware?

Yes, there are specific penalties for driving with a suspended license in Delaware. Driving with a suspended license is considered a criminal offense and is punishable by up to 30 days in jail and/or a fine of up to $575. Additionally, the offender may have their driver’s license revoked for an additional period of time and may be required to participate in a supervised driving program.

Can individuals appeal a driver’s license suspension decision in Delaware?


Yes, individuals can appeal a driver’s license suspension decision in Delaware. The Delaware Department of Safety and Homeland Security provides information on how to file an appeal. The appeal must be filed in writing within 20 days of the suspension order being issued.

What are the consequences of driving while under a license suspension in Delaware?

If you are caught driving while your license is suspended in Delaware, you will face criminal charges. Depending on the severity of the offense, you may be subject to fines and/or jail time. Additionally, your license suspension may be extended and you may have to pay additional fees to reinstate your license.

How long does a suspension typically last for various types of infractions in Delaware?

The length of a suspension for various types of infractions in Delaware can vary depending on the severity of the infraction. In general, minor infractions may lead to a suspension of up to 30 days, while more serious ones could lead to a suspension of up to six months or longer.

Are there provisions for hardship or restricted licenses during suspension in Delaware?

Yes, there are provisions for hardship or restricted licenses during suspension in Delaware. To apply for a hardship or restricted driver license, the driver must submit a completed and signed hardship application to the Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles. The DMV will then review the application and determine whether the driver qualifies for a hardship or restricted license. The DMV may grant a hardship or restricted license if the applicant meets certain qualifications. These include, but are not limited to, being employed and needing to drive to work, having medical appointments to attend, needing a license for religious reasons, or having extenuating family circumstances. If a hardship or restricted license is granted, the applicant must meet additional requirements outlined by the DMV in order to maintain the license.

Do suspensions vary for first-time offenders versus repeat offenders in Delaware?

Yes, suspensions vary for first-time offenders and repeat offenders in Delaware. The state has a tiered system for traffic violations, with each violation assigned a number of points based on its severity. A driver’s license may be suspended for 30 days if they accumulate 12 points within a two-year period. First-time offenders may receive fewer points than repeat offenders for the same offense. Additionally, the Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles may suspend the licenses of repeat offenders for up to one year if they have accumulated more than 15 points within a two-year period.

Can individuals request a hearing to contest a pending license suspension in Delaware?

Yes, individuals in Delaware can request a hearing to contest a pending license suspension. In order to contest the suspension, the individual must request a hearing before the Office of Administrative Hearings within 15 days of receiving notice of the suspension. The request for a hearing can be submitted online, by mail, or in person.

What is the role of ignition interlock devices in license suspension cases in Delaware?

Ignition interlock devices (IIDs) are a condition of restoration of driving privileges in Delaware for anyone who has been convicted of a DUI or Driving Under the Influence. An IID is an in-car breathalyzer device that requires the driver to provide a breath sample before starting the vehicle. If the device detects alcohol, it will not allow the car to start. During the course of the license suspension, the driver must use an IID in all vehicles they operate. This includes personal vehicles as well as vehicles owned by someone else. The IID must remain in all vehicles operated by the individual for the duration of the license suspension and may be monitored by law enforcement.

Is there a difference in license suspension for DUI or DWI offenses in Delaware?

Yes, there is a difference in license suspension for DUI or DWI offenses in Delaware. For a first DUI offense, the license will be suspended for a minimum of 6 months. For a first DWI offense, the license will be suspended for a minimum of 1 year. Subsequent offenses can result in longer periods of suspension or permanent revocation of the driver’s license.

How do out-of-state suspensions impact driving privileges in Delaware?

Out-of-state suspensions can affect driving privileges in Delaware. Depending on the offense, Delaware may recognize the out-of-state suspension and impose its own restrictions on driving privileges. For instance, if an out-of-state conviction was for a DUI offense, Delaware will recognize the suspension and require that an individual complete Delaware’s DUI program. The same applies to other offenses such as reckless driving or driving without a valid license. In addition, out-of-state suspensions may also result in a longer license suspension in Delaware than the original out-of-state license suspension.

Are there specific procedures for handling suspended commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs) in Delaware?

Yes. The Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles has established specific procedures for handling suspended CDLs. If you are a CDL holder and your license has been suspended, you must contact the Delaware DMV and request a hearing within 10 days of the suspension notice to challenge the suspension. At the hearing, you will need to present evidence and explain why your license should not be suspended. If, after the hearing, your license is still suspended, you must contact the DMV to find out how to reinstate your license.

What are the consequences for fleeing the scene of an accident involving injury or death in Delaware?

In Delaware, fleeing the scene of an accident involving injury or death is a felony offense. Under Delaware law, a person who leaves the scene of an accident involving injury or death is guilty of “leaving the scene of an accident involving injury or death,” which is punishable by up to eight years in prison and/or a fine of up to $10,000. In addition, the court may order the person to pay restitution to the injured party or their family. If the accident results in death, the court may also impose a sentence of up to 15 years in prison.

Can individuals reinstate their license after suspension due to unpaid child support in Delaware?

Yes, individuals can reinstate their license after suspension due to unpaid child support in Delaware. The Delaware Division of Child Support Services explains that individuals can petition to have their license reinstated by submitting proof of payment of all past due amounts or entering into a Payment Plan Agreement with the Division.

Do license suspensions result from non-driving offenses, such as drug convictions in Delaware?

Yes, in Delaware a license suspension can result from certain non-driving offenses such as drug convictions. According to Delaware’s Division of Motor Vehicles, the court can suspend or revoke your license for up to 1 year following a conviction of any drug offense.

How do individuals regain driving privileges after a medical condition-related suspension in Delaware?

Individuals who have had their driving privileges suspended due to a medical condition must apply to the Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles for a special examination. The applicant must meet certain medical criteria in order to regain their driving privileges. This includes submitting a Medical Examination Report, including a physical and/or mental examination completed by an authorized medical practitioner, an eye exam, a request for review by the Division of Motor Vehicle’s Medical Advisory Board, and a review of the applicant’s driving record. Once the Division of Motor Vehicles has approved the application, the applicant will receive a restricted driver’s license that will allow them to drive for limited purposes.

What resources are available to help individuals navigate the process of addressing and potentially overturning license suspensions in Delaware?

1. Delaware DMV License Suspension or Revocation Program: The Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) provides a program to assist individuals with license suspensions or revocations due to unpaid fines, child support, or other violations. This program will help individuals navigate the process of addressing license suspensions and potentially overturning them. This program can be found online at: https://dmv.de.gov/services/registration-title/suspend-revoke.

2. Delaware Legal Assistance Network: The Delaware Legal Assistance Network (DELAN) provides legal services to low-income residents of Delaware. DELAN’s lawyers provide free advice and representation to those facing license suspensions or revocations due to unpaid fines, child support, or other violations. This network can be found online at: https://delawarenl.org/.

3. Community Legal Aid Society: The Community Legal Aid Society (CLAS) is a nonprofit legal services organization that provides legal assistance to low-income Delawareans facing license suspensions or revocations due to unpaid fines, child support, or other violations. CLAS can be found online at: https://clasdelaware.org/.