You might be surprised at how many different ways you can lose your driver’s license and not even know it. Depending on your state, you may not be able to drive if you break certain laws or fail to meet specific requirements.
Each state has its own set of rules and regulations regarding car insurance, driving privileges, and other factors. For example, did you know that your driver’s license may be at risk if you fail to report a new address, update your social security number, or fail to pay traffic tickets on time?
In some cases, losing your license comes after multiple traffic violations. However, some states have laws that can immediately revoke your license due to the seriousness of the crime. Immediate threat in Massachusetts allow police officers to recommend revoking someone’s license indefinitely under certain circumstances.
Here are ten things that could lead to losing your driver’s license.
1. Speeding
Most drivers are guilty of speeding at some point or another. Speed limits aren’t really suggestions. Accumulating too many speeding tickets can result in losing your license.
2. Impaired Driving
Impaired driving is a serious offense, whether it’s due to drugs or alcohol. In some states, your license can be in jeopardy if you refuse a sobriety test. In addition to losing your license, you can wind up facing a huge fine and jail time for driving under the influence.
3. Texting While Driving
Texting while driving is a huge problem nationwide. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that 3,000 car accident deaths occur annually due to distracted driving. Many states enforce hands-free laws that prohibit cell phone usage while driving.
4. Drag Racing
Racing from stoplight to stoplight at high speeds is extremely dangerous. If caught drag racing, your license could be suspended, and you could end up in jail.
5. Careless Driving
You even know that having too many points on your record could result in a license suspension. Minor traffic violations, such as failure to stop at stop signs, and improper passing, can add up to license suspension.
6. Hit & Run
If you hit another person or vehicle, you must stay at the scene until the police arrive. In some states, you can receive a ticket if you don’t call 911 after hitting domestic animals like cats or dogs.
7. Abandoning Vehicle
There are many lesser-known laws that can take away your driving privileges. Abandoning a broken-down vehicle on the side of the road is one of them.
8. Uninsured Vehicle
Car insurance and registration are necessary for keeping your license in good standing.
9. Failure to Stop for School Bus
Viral videos often show close calls of students almost getting hit by drivers passing stopped school buses. In some states, doing so can result in immediately losing your license.
10. Driving on a Suspended License
It’s not uncommon to have your DL suspended for one reason or another. Many people continue to drive anyway, putting them at risk of losing their licenses completely.
There are situations where your driver’s license can be taken away without prior warning.
Remember – driving is a privilege, not a right. If you want to keep your license, be sure to avoid these ten illegal behaviors.