In order to restore your driver’s license in Pennsylvania, you must surrender your most recent license, reach your restoration eligibility date, and complete the terms outlined in your restoration requirements letter.
Our firm can walk you through the restoration process and help you complete the steps necessary to get your license back. Our DUI lawyer can also defend you against charges that could result in points on your license, a suspension, or revocation.
Steps You Must Take to Restore Your License
Every suspension or revocation case is different, so your specific restoration process is unique. However, all drivers must complete the following steps in order:
- Surrender your license. You do not start earning credit for your suspension until you surrender your current license, driver’s permit, or photo ID. If you do not have one of these documents or have never had a license in Pennsylvania, you will need to complete Form DL-16LC and mail it to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT).
- Request a restoration requirements letter. You must complete the terms outlined in your restoration requirements letter to restore your license. Terms will be different for every driver and in every case. You can request a letter online or call PennDOT’s Customer Care Center. If you do not request a letter, PennDOT will mail you one approximately 30 days before your restoration eligibility date.
- Follow your restoration requirements. This could include adhering to the steps outlined in your letter, providing proof of vehicle insurance, and paying restoration fees by your restoration eligibility date.
Obtaining an Occupational Limited License
You can seek to have your suspended or revoked license partially reinstated for work, medical, or educational purposes.
You can seek an Occupational Limited License (OLL) to drive only for work, medical treatment, or to study. In addition, if your license has been suspended or revoked for more than five years, you can petition for a Probationary License (PL) to drive between 6 a.m. and 7 p.m.
Reasons You May Lose Your Driver’s License
Pennsylvania uses a system to assess points on a driver’s license for moving violations. The number of points added to your license depends on the offense. For example, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), leaving the scene of an accident results in four points, an illegal U-turn will cost you three points, and speeding could lead to anywhere from two to five points depending on how fast you were going.
Anyone under age 18 who collects six or more points or receives a conviction for driving more than 26 mph over the posted speed limit will have their license suspended. Drivers over age 18 will receive notice of corrective action from PennDOT for every six points on their license. PennDOT may suspend a driver’s license if the driver:
- Fails to take or pass a written point examination within 30 days of receiving their first six points.
- Fails to attend a PennDOT Departmental Hearing after earning six points two or more times.
- Receives 11 or more points on their license.
PA restores three points to your license for every 12 months you drive without committing a moving violation that results in points, suspension, or revocation.
Pennsylvania drivers will also have their licenses suspended if they have certain criminal convictions, commit certain traffic crimes, or fail to meet court-ordered obligations. You may lose your license if:
- You have convictions for a hit and run, driving under the influence (DUI), or underage drinking.
- You have convictions under the Controlled Substance, Drug, Device, and Cosmetic Act.
- You have been convicted of a felony involving a vehicle.
- You were driving without vehicle insurance or without a driver’s license.
- You failed to stop for a school bus.
- You failed to pay child support.
- You failed to pay a civil settlement resulting from a traffic accident.
- You failed to respond to traffic citations or follow through with payment arrangements.
How do You Know If You Have Lost Your License?
PennDOT will send you a written notice explaining the start date and reasons for suspension if you lose your license. It is your responsibility to know the status of your license.
How Can Our PA Defense Attorneys Protect Your Driving Privileges?
Do not leave your driving privileges to chance. If you face DUI or other criminal charges that could result in a license suspension or revocation, an attorney with our firm can defend you. We can also fight against moving violations that will result in points on your license. We can:
- Attempt to get charges dropped or reduced
- Negotiate for fewer points on your license
- Help you get released on bail
- Collect evidence to support your case, including photos, videos, police reports, and witness statements
- Build your defense
- Negotiate a fair out-of-court resolution or represent you at trial if necessary
- Help you understand and navigate the process of getting your driver’s license restored in Pennsylvania
Reach Out to McKenzie Law Firm, P.C. Today
McKenzie Law Firm, P.C. can help protect or restore your driving privileges. Call us today to learn more about how our defense attorney in Pennsylvania can fight to restore your driver’s license.
