The Oregon Drivers License Suspension Forgiveness Guide
An Oregon drivers license suspension is a serious matter. If you drive with a suspended license, you can face a number of consequences. In many cases, simply addressing the underlying reasons for the suspension will allow you to regain your driving privileges.
If you’re wondering about Oregon drivers license suspension forgiveness, read on! We’ve put together a guide to tell you all about license suspensions in Oregon and what you can do to get your driving privileges back.
Oregon Drivers License Suspension
In Oregon, a driver’s license can be suspended for a variety of reasons, from failure to appear in court to driving under the influence. Regardless of the reason for the suspension, you cannot drive with a suspended license. If you’re caught driving with a suspended license, you’ll face serious consequences, including fines, jail time, and vehicle impoundment.
The length of an Oregon drivers license suspension can vary greatly, depending on the severity of the offense. Suspension typically starts at 30 days and can go up to several years. The nature of the offense, number of prior offenses, and compliance with court orders or DMV requirements can all affect the length.
If you believe your license was wrongly suspended or you need help navigating the reinstatement process, it can be beneficial to consult with an experienced lawyer like Powell Law. We’ll listen to the details of your case and provide expert legal advice to help you get the best outcome possible.
Oregon Drivers License Suspension Forgiveness
There is no official Oregon drivers license suspension forgiveness program. However, there may be ways to reduce the length of the suspension, avoid the suspension altogether, or regain driving privileges. While full forgiveness (as in the cancellation of a suspension) is rare, you may be able to mitigate the impact of a suspension in the following ways:
Appealing the suspension: You can contest your suspension by requesting a hearing or appealing the decision. This is usually an option for cases involving administrative mistakes or unjust rulings, such as contesting a DUII suspension. In order to appeal the suspension, you’ll need to file an appeal with the Oregon DMV or the court that issued the suspension. For the best outcome, consider hiring an experienced attorney to help with your appeal.
DUII Diversion Program: The DUII Diversion Program allows first-time DUII offenders to avoid a conviction and a longer suspension by completing a court-approved diversion program. The program involves completing alcohol or drug treatment, attending a victim impact panel, and refraining from alcohol or drug use during the period. If successful, your DUII charge may be dismissed and the suspension avoided or reduced. The Diversion Program can be a bit complex to navigate, but if you’re eligible, Powell Law can help you fulfill the requirements.
Compliance with DMV requirements: Depending on the specifics of your case, you may need to comply with DMV requirements to have your license reinstated. This could include paying a reinstatement fee, filing for SR-22 insurance, and completing any court-mandated programs.
Hardship permit: In some cases, you may qualify for a hardship permit that allows you to drive to work, school, or other essential destinations. You’ll have to meet specific criteria and apply through the DMV in order to get one. If you get a hardship permit, make sure to follow the specific requirements of your permit.
What Happens If You Drive with a Suspended License in Oregon?
If you have an Oregon drivers license suspension, you are not allowed to drive (except if you have a hardship permit). So what happens if you drive with a suspended license? That depends on the circumstances, but some of the consequences include penalties, fines, extended suspensions, and even jail time. Here’s what typically happens if you’re caught driving with a suspended license in Oregon:
Criminal charges: If your license was suspended due to a DUII, reckless driving, or criminal offenses, driving with a suspended license is considered a Class A misdemeanor. Penalties include up to 1 year in jail, fines up to $6,250, and an extended suspension period. If your license was suspended for less serious issues, such as failure to appear in court, you may be charged with a Class A traffic violation, which comes with a $600 fine.
Additional suspension time: The Oregon DMV may extend the length of your current suspension by an extra 6 months to 1 year or more if you get caught driving with a suspended license.
Vehicle impoundment: If caught driving with a suspended license, you may also have your vehicle impounded. You won’t be able to get the vehicle back until you pay the impoundment fees and resolve your suspension.
SR-22 Insurance: If you are caught driving with a suspended license, especially if it’s related to a DUII or other serious violation, the Oregon DMV may require you to file SR-22 insurance before you can get your license reinstated. SR-22 insurance is usually more expensive than standard insurance, and you’ll have to maintain it for three years or more.
Habitual traffic offender (HTO) status: If you accumulate multiple serious traffic violations, including driving with a suspended license, Oregon can designate you as a Habitual Traffic Offender. This designation results in a 5-year suspension and harsh penalties if caught driving during this time.
What Results in a Drivers License Suspension in Oregon?
An Oregon drivers license suspension can happen for a number of reasons. The length of the suspension depends on the severity of the violation. Here’s an overview of the key causes of suspension:
Driving Under the Influence of Intoxicants (DUII): If you’re convicted of a DUII, your license will be suspended. For a first-offense conviction, your license will be suspended for between 90 days to 1 year. If convicted of a second offense within 5 years of your first offense, you’ll receive a 3-year-long suspension. For a felony DUII conviction, your license will be revoked indefinitely.
Refusal of a breathalyzer test: Oregon has an implied consent law, which means that if you’re driving, it’s implied that you consent to a breathalyzer test. If, however, you refuse the test, you may have your license suspended for between 1 and 3 years.
Driver Improvement Program: In Oregon, accumulating too many traffic violations in a certain amount of time may subject you to the Oregon Driver Improvement Program. If you’re under 18 and have 2 traffic violation convictions, 2 preventable accidents, or a combination within 24 months, you’ll have your license restricted for 90 days, meaning you can only drive for work reasons. If you are over 18 and you have 3 convictions, 3 preventable accidents, or a combination of both, the DMV will restrict your license for 30 days to no driving between 12 am and 5 am. If you have 5 convictions, 5 accidents, or a combination, you’ll have your license suspended for 30 days. For each conviction or accident after 5, the DMV will suspend your license for 30 days.
Failure to appear: If you don’t appear in court when ordered to, the DMV may suspend your license for 10 years or until you comply with court orders.
Failure to pay child support: In Oregon, if you don’t pay child support, your license may be suspended. As soon as you catch up on payments, the Oregon Child Support Program will notify the DMV and you can get your license reinstated.
How to Get Your Driver's License Back in Oregon
Losing your driving privileges in Oregon can be difficult, but there are ways to get your driver’s license back. Here is a general guide to help you reinstate your license:
Serve the suspension period: In some cases, you may just need to serve the suspension period. Make sure you don’t drive with a suspended license, or the suspension could be lengthened. Once the period is over, you’ll need to pay a reinstatement fee at the DMV.
Meet any court requirements: If your license was suspended because of failure to appear in court or failure to pay child support, you can usually get your suspension lifted once you resolve those issues.
File SR-22 Insurance: For certain offenses, like driving without insurance or a DUII, the Oregon DMV requires you to file SR-22 insurance before your license can be reinstated. You’ll need to maintain SR-22 insurance for at least 3 years.
Install an Ignition Interlock Device (IID): If your license was suspended due to a DUII, you may be required to install an Ignition Interlock Device (IID) in your car before your license can be reinstated. The IID requires you to pass a breathalyzer test before the car will start.
DUII Diversion Program: First-time DUII offenders may be eligible for the diversion program, which can help you avoid a suspension. By completing the program, you can avoid a DUII conviction and your license may not be suspended.
Oregon Drivers License Suspension Conclusion
No matter the reason for your Oregon drivers license suspension, the experienced lawyers at Powell Law can help you navigate the legal complexities of a suspension. From filing paperwork to appealing your suspension, we’ll assist you in getting the best outcome possible for your circumstances. Call today for a consultation!
*Nothing herein constitutes legal advice. You should obtain independent legal counsel regarding your specific factual situation.
