Unsafe Driver Consequences
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What happens if I get a ticket or have an accident? Because you are a minor (under 18), DMV closely watches your driving performance. If you get a traffic ticket, you must either pay the fine or show up in court. If you don't, DMV will suspend your driving privilege until you pay the fine or appear in court.
After four "at fault" accidents or traffic convictions within 12 months, you will be categorized as an unsafe driver. What is probation and what happens if I violate it? Probation is when DMV decides not to suspend or revoke your driving privilege. Instead, you get a warning and for a certain period of time you cannot get any more "at fault" accidents or traffic convictions. If you keep your driving record clean for the period of time you are on probation, the probation will be removed. Probation also includes the period when your driving privilege is suspended or revoked. You are not allowed to drive during that time. If you are given a restriction, you can only drive within your restrictions. Anything else is a violation of your probation.
What is a DMV hearing and can I request one? A DMV hearing is where you get a chance to discuss your driver record with a DMV Hearing Officer who will decide if the DMV consequence against your driving privilege is needed or not. In a hearing, the driver gets a chance to produce evidence and testify why he/she should not receive the DMV sanction and why he/she is not an unsafe driver. (More information) Can I request a hearing? No, most teens cannot request a DMV hearing. There is only one situation in which you can request a hearing. If you were involved in an accident and you were not at fault, you may request a hearing to present evidence to show that you were not responsible for the accident. How do I get my license back after my suspension is over? That's a good question. This is something you can't do by yourself. You probably need your parents' or guardians' permission and help. Here's what you can do: If your driver license has not expired, you will need to:
If your driver license has expired or your driving privilege was revoked, you will need to:
Consequences For Unsafe Drivers Regardless of your age, if you have too many traffic tickets or accidents on your driver record, DMV will classify you as an unsafe driver and will closely monitor your driving behaviors to help you recognize your bad driving habits and correct them, before you get into a collision where you or someone else gets seriously injured or killed. Traffic crashes are the leading cause of death for teenagers. Your risk of having a collision where someone is injured is three times higher for you than for other drivers. Why? Because you are inexperienced, careless, easily distracted, are prone to take crazy risks, you are influenced by your peers, and you feel invincible. You are not always going to be the "lucky one" where nothing bad ever happens to you. Why? Because you are a new driver. No matter how well you think you can drive, you can't drive as well as someone (like your parents) who has been driving much longer than you. An experienced driver learns how dangerous driving can be if he/she doesn't practice good driving habits. What happens to really bad drivers? Your record goes into an automated system that tracks all traffic violations and accidents. You will be sent warning letters automatically when DMV receives notices from a court. If you don't improve your driving habits, you will be put on probation, and your license may be suspended or revoked. Here is what happens: There are four levels of action DMV takes for unsafe drivers: Level 1: Warning Letter You will receive this warning letter if you have:
Level 2: Notice of Intent to Suspend You will receive this warning letter if you have:
This warning letter tells you that you need to correct your poor driving habits and attitudes immediately. If you receive any more points, your driving privilege will be suspended. Level 3: Probation/Suspension Your driving privilege will be suspended for 6 months and you will be on probation for one year if you have:
Don't say we didn't warn you. DMV gave you a chance to drive smart and drive safe with the previous warning letters. If you get this letter, apparently you are not responsible enough to be driving and your driving privilege is suspended. You will also get an additional 6-month suspension and your probation will be extended for one year if you:
Level 4: Violation of Probation Your driving privilege will be automatically suspended and a Violation of Probation Order will be sent to you if you violate your probation. What is a probation violation? If you:
Can I Get A Restricted License? In California where our transportation alternatives are pretty good, the chance of you getting a critical need restriction is pretty slim. If you do meet DMV's critical need requirements a restricted license will be issued to you after a mandatory 30-day suspension and only if you:
A critical need restriction allows you to drive during your suspension if you have a critical need to drive and all other transportation options are inadequate. This type of restriction is typically given:
How do I apply for a restricted license? Complete an Application for Critical Need Restriction (DS 694) and mail it to the address shown on the form. Include documents from your school, physician, or employer to support your need for a restricted license. How do I get my driver license? If you are under 18, you need to get your parents' or guardians' permission. If your driver license has not expired, you will need to:
If your driver license has expired or your driving privilege was revoked, you will need to:
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