Having a suspended license means you legally cannot drive on public roads. Many drivers find themselves in this situation due to various infractions, such as unpaid tickets or accumulating too many points on their driving record. It can also be due to a conviction of driving under the influence (DUI) of drugs or alcohol.
If police catch you driving and your license isn’t valid, you may face more consequences than those that led to your suspension initially. During a routine traffic stop, an officer will typically ask for your license, registration and insurance.
At this point, you still maintain certain rights, including the right to remain silent beyond providing basic identifying information. However, driving with a suspended license is a serious offense in New Hampshire, regardless of why you were initially pulled over.
Potential penalties for this moving violation
In New Hampshire, the consequences for driving with a suspended license can vary based on your specific situation and driving history. For first-time offenders, the smallest penalty is typically a $500 fine and the worst outcome is potentially serving up to 30 days in jail.
Jail time is more likely if your suspension was due to a serious offense like DUI or if you caused an accident while driving on a suspended license.
Fortunately, first-timers have the option of requesting a restricted license in some circumstances. However, if this is not your first offense, here’s what you might face:
- Increased fines up to $2,000
- Longer jail sentences, potentially up to one year
- Extended suspension periods
- Possible felony charges for multiple violations
It’s costly and damaging to your reputation to have this violation on your record. Your insurance premiums can also go up once you get your license back. Plus, now police officers may scrutinize you more carefully during future stops since your record will permanently show that you disregarded a court-ordered suspension.
Minimize the impact on your record
When your license is suspended, following the rules is your best path forward. This means staying off the road entirely and finding alternative transportation while you work through the process. Courts look favorably on those who respect their orders and meet all their requirements, from paying fines to completing any mandated programs.
Keeping detailed records of your compliance efforts can help show how committed you are to resolving the situation properly. Remember, how you handle this suspension period directly affects your driving privileges down the road. So, make smart decisions while under suspension.
