While some motorists regard driving as a basic right, the fact is that operating a motor vehicle is a privilege that must be earned and maintained by demonstrating safe and lawful driving. Under certain circumstances, an individual's Hawaii driver's license may be suspended or revoked for a specific length of time, depending on the person's driving record or history, and the particular violation(s).

REASONS FOR DRIVER'S LICENSE SUSPENSIONS

There are a variety of reasons why your Hawaii driver's license might be suspended. Some of these are related to specific driving violations, while others may be due to violation of other State laws. Following are some of the most common reasons for a Hawaii driver's license to be suspended or revoked.

• Driving Under the Influence. Your Hawaii driver's license will be suspended if you are found guilty of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. The length of the suspension depends on the severity of the violation and whether it is a first or repeat offense. If you refuse to take a chemical test, your license will be taken away from you and will be suspended immediately. If you become a habitual DUI offender, your suspension periods will grow with each conviction. On the third offense, your license will be revoked for five years.
• Driving with a Suspended License or no License. Driving with a suspended license will lead to an increase in the length of the suspension, and you may also be imprisoned for up to five years. The duration of the additional suspension varies depending on the reason for the underlying suspension. Your driver's license may also be suspended if you do not have your license with you while you are driving.
• Driving without Insurance. All motor vehicles driven in Hawaii must be properly insured. Failure to provide proof of valid auto insurance can result in your license being suspended.
• Other Driving-Related Violations. Your Hawaii driver's license may also be suspended if you engage in reckless driving, are found to be at fault in a fatal accident, or if you abandon your vehicle on a public highway. Racing on the streets and fleeing from the scene of an accident are other reasons.
• Physical or Psychological Disqualification. The county's DMV can order a re-examination of any person who may not be fit to drive. An individual's driving privileges may be suspended if the re-examination finds they are physically or psychologically unable to drive safely.
• Non-Driving Reasons for License Suspension. A variety of non-driving violations or issues can result in your license being suspended. These include: not responding to the department's notice or not appearing in court; failing to pay traffic tickets, fines or surcharges; and not paying child support.

WHAT TO DO IF YOUR HAWAII DRIVER'S LICENSE IS SUSPENDED

Having your Hawaii driver's license suspended is a serious matter and it is essential to adhere to State law in the event that your license is suspended. If you believe your license may be suspended due to one of the reasons listed above it is advisable to speak with a traffic ticket lawyer or a DUI-DWI lawyer. The most important things to be aware of following a license suspension are:

1. If your license has not already been taken away from you in court, you must surrender it to the Driver License Division at any of the 4 counties of Honolulu, Hawaii, Maui, or Kauai.
2. While your license is suspended, you are not permitted to drive. If you are found driving with a suspended license, you may be imprisoned for up to five years, and/or the length of your suspension may be increased.
3. After your suspension is over, you will receive a written notice of restoration, with instructions on how to restore your license. Do not drive until you have completed the necessary steps and received a valid, replacement license from the Hawaii DMV.
4. You can also apply for a conditional license if you wish to drive to work. You must present proof of employment and also establish that losing your license could jeopardize your job. You will also have to prove that an alternative form of transport is not available. If your license was suspended due to DUI and you refuse to take the test, you will not be eligible to apply for a conditional license. More information can be found here.

APPEALING A SUSPENSION

If your license is suspended and you wish to challenge the suspension, you may request a hearing in court. An administrative law judge or an authorized DMV administrator will hear your case, and determine whether your driver's license should be suspended or not. It is also a good idea to seek the advice of a traffic ticket lawyer or a DUI-DWI lawyer, based on the reason for the suspension.

RESTORING YOUR LICENSE

To get your license back, generally, you will need to:

1. Pay a restoration fee. You can also mail a check or money order to the Driver License Division at any of the 4 counties of Honolulu, Hawaii, Maui, or Kauai.
2. Apply for a standard license renewal to obtain a new license.

Note that after you license is restored, you will be subject to a probation period of one year, during which any new violations may result in an additional suspension of your Hawaii driver's license.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• Check the Hawaii Point System.
• See also Auto Insurance.
• See also DUI and DUI Attorneys.
• See also Traffic Tickets and Traffic Ticket Attorneys.