What is a Suspended License and How Does it Relate to a Restricted License? – California Vehicle Code Section 13500

The State of California has the power to revoke your driver’s license if you have been convicted of certain crimes. Section 13500 of the California Vehicle Code provides that the privilege of the person to operate a motor vehicle will be suspended or revoked until the requirements set by the court (whatever the requirements of the conviction are) have been met. A suspended driver’s license applies to all drivers’ licenses held by that person and the person must surrender such licenses to the Department of Motor Vehicles (“DMV”) or to a police officer on behalf of the department.

Section 13551(b) of the Vehicle Code states that the department must return the license to the licensee or may issue the person a new license, whenever the department determines that the grounds for suspension, revocation, or cancellation did not exist at the time the action was taken (if the person is otherwise eligible for a driver’s license). However, Section 13555 states that a termination and a dismissal of charges (an expungement or removal from the record) will not affect any revocation or suspension of the privilege of the person convicted to drive a motor vehicle. Such person’s prior conviction will be considered a conviction for the purpose of revoking or suspending or otherwise limiting such privilege on the ground of two or more convictions. In other words, even if charges are dismissed or the conviction is removed from your record, your license will still be suspended or revoked.

If your license has been suspended, you can usually apply for a restricted license. The time period to apply for a restricted license is 10 days from the day that your license has been suspended. The goal of a restricted license is to allow you to commute to and from work and also to get basic necessities like groceries. If you are caught driving outside of the scope of the restricted license, your driving privilege can be completely revoked and you can be charged with a misdemeanor.

If you or someone you love had their driver’s license suspended, revoked, or were arrested for driving on a suspended license, you should speak with a suspended license attorney. At Wallin & Klarich, our attorneys have over 30 years of experience in handling all types of cases, including DMV-related cases. Our attorneys will give you the respect and quality representation you deserve. Call us today at (888) 280-6839 or visit us on our website at www.wklaw.com. We will be there when you call.