Driver's license suspensions

Miss traffic court? Have a suspended license? A new law may help you.

It is important to attend your court date because when you miss traffic court, the Court may suspend your driver’s license. A new law can help prevent your license from being suspended. If it was already suspended, the new law can help you get your license back, but you need to take action as soon as possible.

What to do if you miss traffic court:

  • Call the court clerk as soon as possible. If you contact the Court before your license is suspended, the Court may be able to stop your license from being suspended.
  • Tell the clerk: “I missed my traffic court date. Please set a new hearing date and tell the Department of Driver Services not to suspend my driver’s license.”
  • You can also ask how you can resolve your ticket without a hearing date.
  • If you cannot afford to pay your ticket, tell the court clerk or the judge that you cannot pay and ask if there are any options for you.
  • You may find your court clerk’s contact information on your ticket or online.

What to do if your license has been suspended for missing court:

  • Contact the court clerk or try to appear for a court hearing as soon as possible.
  • The Court has the power to decide when to reinstate your license, even before you fully resolve your case or pay your ticket.
  • Tell the clerk or judge why you missed court and/or explain why you need your license.
  • If you cannot afford a license reinstatement fee, ask the Court to waive it and explain why you can’t pay. The Court has power to decide whether to waive the fee.
  • You may find your court clerk’s contact information on your ticket or online.

What to do after the court reinstates your license:

  • You will need to go to the Department of Driver Services (DDS) to get your license back.
  • Even if your DDS reinstatement fees aren’t waived, you can complete a DDS “pauper’s affidavit” form to take 50% off your DDS fees.

For more information about what to do if you miss traffic court and have a suspended license, please contact:

Wade Askew, Policy Manager

Phone: (404) 827-0027, ext. 214

Email: Wade@GJP.org

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