While drivers may occasionally receive a traffic citation, repeated offenses can lead to long-term suspensions and felony charges.
Under certain circumstances, drivers may earn the title of habitual traffic violators.
What is habitual traffic violator status?
Drivers with repeated violations may be habitual traffic violators if the following occurs:
- A driver accumulates 10 traffic violations within 10 years. One of these violations must be a major violation. Drivers may have their licenses suspended for five years.
- A driver receives three judgments for major violations within 10 years. Major violations are reckless driving, leaving the scene of an accident or driving while intoxicated. Drivers in this category may lose driving privileges for 10 years.
- A lifetime suspension occurs if drivers commit two serious violations involving intoxication or alcohol resulting in death within 10 years
- Two serious judgments in 10 years, including manslaughter or reckless homicide, can result in a 10-year suspension
What happens if habitual traffic violators drive on a suspended license?
People who choose to drive with a habitual traffic violation suspension may get charged with a level 5 or level 6 felony. These charges may require jail time, fines and additional license suspensions.
Can a person drive to work if they are a habitual traffic violator?
Drivers can request special driving privileges from the court to accommodate work requirements and other situations. Specialized driving privileges are available to drivers without any required waiting period.
Knowing that repeated offenses may cause drivers to lose their driving privileges for an extended period or even for life may encourage people to drive safely and follow the laws.
