Who Can Suspend Your Driver's License in Pennsylvania?

Losing your driving privileges can affect every aspect of your daily life, from getting to work to caring for your family. Knowing who controls this process and how to respond protects your ability to drive. Schedule a consultation with a reputable criminal defense lawyer at Mette Law in Harrisburg, PA. Our firm has more than 50 years of experience defending clients facing license suspension.

Who Decides if You Have a License Suspended?

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation holds the authority to suspend your driver’s license in most situations. PennDOT acts independently from the courts and can impose administrative suspensions based on point accumulation, failed chemical tests, or other statutory triggers.

Notice

PennDOT sends official correspondence to your registered address informing you of the suspension and its effective date. The letter specifies when you must surrender your license and outlines the duration of your suspension.

Reasons for License Suspensions

Pennsylvania law authorizes license suspensions for numerous driving-related offenses and violations. Both criminal convictions and administrative actions can result in the loss of your driving privileges:

• DUI convictions
• Accumulating six or more points on your driving record
• Refusing a chemical test during a DUI stop
• Driving without valid insurance
• Failing to respond to a traffic citation
• Drug-related convictions
• Racing on highways
• Fleeing or eluding police
• Underage drinking violations
• Habitual traffic offenses

Restoration

Reinstating your license requires completing your suspension period and fulfilling all obligations imposed by PennDOT, under 75 Pa. C.S. § 1960, you must pay a restoration fee, provide proof of insurance, and satisfy any court-ordered requirements before regaining your driving privileges.

How Can a Lawyer Help?

You have 30 days from the date of the notice to file an appeal of the suspension, which may result in an administrative hearing. Failing to appeal within this deadline can cause the suspension to become final and limit your legal options.

An attorney can challenge the basis for your suspension through administrative appeals and court proceedings. We review your case to identify errors, procedural violations, or grounds to reduce the suspension period.

Obtaining a Provisional License

Pennsylvania offers limited driving privileges to specific suspended drivers who demonstrate a legitimate need for transportation. Not everyone qualifies for limited driving privileges during a suspension period. Pennsylvania restricts eligibility based on the nature of your offense, your driving history, and whether you have previously received an Occupational Limited License.

Drivers with multiple DUI convictions or those who caused serious injuries while driving face stricter limitations on their ability to obtain provisional driving privileges. Qualifying for an Occupational Limited License requires meeting specific criteria:

• Completing any mandatory suspension period
• Demonstrating need for employment or medical purposes
• Installing an ignition interlock device if required
• Maintaining proper insurance coverage
• Having no prior OLL violations
• Paying applicable fees to PennDOT

Speak to an Experienced Harrisburg Criminal Defense Lawyer

Every day you delay seeking legal counsel reduces your options to challenge a license suspension or obtain limited driving privileges. Contact Mette Law at 717-232-5000 to schedule a consultation with a trusted criminal defense attorney in Harrisburg. Our case results speak for themselves, and we stand ready to protect your right to drive.