California Driver Handbook - Actions That Result in Loss of License
Vandalism/Graffiti— All Ages
California law allows the courts to suspend the driver license for up to two years of a person convicted of engaging in vandalism, including graffiti. If you are convicted and do not have a driver license, the courts can delay the issuance of your driver license for up to three years from the date you are legally eligible to drive.
Speed Contests/Reckless Driving
A person convicted of driving recklessly or engaging in a speed contest which causes bodily injury to another person is subject to:
- Imprisonment in a county jail or state prison for a minimum of 30 days to 6 months,
- A fine ranging from $220— $1,000 or
- Both, a fine and imprisonment (CVC §§23105 and 23109.1).
Possessing Firearms
The court will:
- Suspend or revoke the driving privilege of any minor convicted of possessing a concealable weapon or live ammunition, or
- Impose driver license sanctions for minors convicted of misdemeanors involving firearms.
Traffic Violator School Convictions
When a driver is cited for a one point traffic violation, the judge may offer the driver the opportunity to attend a Traffic Violator School. Drivers who do not have a commercial driver license may participate once in any 18-month period to have a citation masked from their driving records.
NOTE: If you have a commercial driver license and attend traffic school, the citation will still appear on your driving record, regardless of the type of vehicle you were driving when cited.
Suspension or Revocation by the DMV
If you get too many negligent driver points, the DMV will place you on probation for one year (which includes a six-month suspension) or revoke your driving privilege (refer to the topics included in the “Actions That Result in Loss of Driver License” section ). Your suspension or revocation order informs you of your right to a hearing.
At the end of the suspension or revocation period, you may apply for a new driver license, and must show proof of financial responsibility.
The DMV will revoke your driver license if you are convicted of a hit-and-run or reckless driving that resulted in injury.
Suspension by Judge
A judge may suspend a person’s driver license, if the driver is convicted of one of the following:
- Breaking speed laws or reckless driving.
- Driving Under the Influence (DUI) of alcohol or drugs.
- Hit-and-run.
- Engaging in lewd conduct and prostitution in a vehicle within 1,000 feet of a residence.
- Assaulting a driver, passenger, bicyclist, or pedestrian when the offense occurs on a highway (road rage).
- Failure to stop as required at a railway grade crossing.
- Felony or misdemeanor offense of recklessly fleeing a law enforcement officer.
Regardless of the point count, many serious offenses in which a vehicle is used carry heavy penalties such as fines and/or imprisonment. If you use your vehicle as a weapon, your driver license may be permanently revoked.
