In Massachusetts, there are several different reasons why someone may end up with their license suspended. For example, operating a vehicle while under the influence (OUI) can result in such penalties. Today, we will take a look at some of the reasons for license suspension and the effects it can have on drivers.
FindLaw takes a look at different reasons for license suspension. This can be divided into driving offenses and non-driving offenses. Driving offenses include things like drag racing, leaving the scene of an accident, failing to comply with a breathalyzer test, assaulting someone on the highway, or reckless driving.
Non-driving offenses include things like failing to pay DMV fines, failing to appear in court for a parking ticket or moving violation, faking a license plate or driver’s license, convictions of drug use that don’t involve driving, juvenile delinquency, or truancy.
The effects of license suspension can be extremely harsh and include things like:
- Being unable to maintain a job
- Being unable to find a new job
- Failure to maintain other aspects of life because of unemployment
- Failure to get proper medical treatment because of transportation issues
- Being denied approval for apartments or housing because of record
These issues can be such a hurdle that the National Center for State Courts actually says that many states are rethinking suspending a driver’s license for failure to pay fines and fees. It is being stated by supporters of this move that the damage from license suspension is disproportionately large compared to the crime of not paying fines.
