Having your license suspended in NJ can disrupt every part of your day-to-day life. Maybe it was a DUI. Maybe you missed a court date or have too many points on your record. Whatever the reason, the outcome is the same – you’re left without the ability to legally drive, and you may not even be sure what to do next.
This kind of uncertainty can lead to bigger mistakes, like driving while suspended or missing important deadlines. At The Scardella Law Firm LLC, I regularly help clients take the right steps to protect themselves, fix the problem, and get back on the road legally.
In this blog, I’ll walk you through five key things to do (and not do) after your license is suspended – so you can avoid unnecessary consequences and move forward with confidence.
1. Figure Out Why Your License Was Suspended
Before you can take the next step, you need to understand the reason behind the suspension. In New Jersey, your license can be suspended for a variety of reasons, including:
- A DWI or refusal to submit to a breath test
- Accumulating too many motor vehicle points
- Driving without insurance
- Failing to appear in court or pay fines
- Ignoring MVC notices or surcharge payments
- Unpaid child support (in some cases)
Your notice from the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) or the court should tell you the basis for the suspension. If the notice is unclear, or you’re unsure about the status of your license, obtaining a driver history abstract from the MVC is a good place to start.
2. Do Not Drive While Your License Is Suspended
It may be tempting to drive “just this once,” especially if you need to get to work or pick up a child – but driving with a suspended license can make a bad situation worse.
New Jersey imposes strict penalties for this offense, which may include:
- Additional license suspension time
- Hundreds (or thousands) of dollars in fines
- Mandatory jail time, especially for repeat offenses
- Possible vehicle impoundment
Even if the original suspension was relatively minor, getting caught driving during that suspension period can lead to far more serious consequences. If you’re unsure whether your license is still suspended or want to avoid risking more penalties, I can help you review your record and determine where you stand.
3. Review Your MVC Notices and Legal Requirements
Take the time to carefully read any communication from the MVC or court. These notices will typically include:
- The duration of your suspension
- Any conditions that must be met before reinstatement
- Reinstatement fees
- Additional court or DMV obligations
If anything is confusing or you’re worried you may have missed a deadline, don’t guess. Reaching out for legal guidance early can prevent unnecessary delays or new charges.
4. Explore Your Legal Options
Depending on why your license was suspended, there may be steps we can take to challenge it, reduce the duration, or resolve any underlying issues.
For example:
- Was the suspension issued in error?
- Were you never notified properly?
- Can we demonstrate that the original violation was resolved or doesn’t justify suspension?
- Can we request an MVC hearing to reduce or eliminate the suspension?
As a defense attorney focusing on DUI and traffic matters in New Jersey municipal courts, I regularly help clients understand whether they have grounds to contest a suspension or request relief. Not every situation is fixable – but when it is, it’s important to act quickly.
5. Know What It Takes to Reinstate Your License
Once you’ve met the conditions of your suspension, you’ll typically need to:
- Pay any outstanding fines or surcharges
- Provide proof of compliance (e.g., completed court-ordered classes or community service)
- Submit documentation to the MVC
- Pay a $100 license reinstatement fee (as of the current MVC schedule)
Mistakes during the reinstatement process – like submitting incomplete paperwork or missing a requirement – can lead to additional delays. I often assist clients with this part of the process to ensure everything is filed correctly and nothing falls through the cracks.
What Happens If You Ignore a Suspension?
Ignoring a license suspension in New Jersey can lead to serious and avoidable consequences. Many people assume the problem will go away on its own – but the longer you wait, the more complicated and costly things can become.
You could face:
- Additional fines and penalties
- A longer suspension period
- A bench warrant for failure to appear in court
- Criminal charges for driving while suspended
- A negative impact on future insurance rates and job opportunities
If you’re unsure where to begin or feel overwhelmed by paperwork and deadlines, you don’t have to go it alone. I regularly help clients sort through their notices, understand their obligations, and take steps to resolve their suspension before things escalate.
Get Help from The Scardella Law Firm LLC
If your license was suspended in NJ, I know how frustrating and uncertain the path forward can feel. You might be worried about missing another notice, making the situation worse, or not knowing when you’ll be able to drive again.
At The Scardella Law Firm LLC, you’ll work directly with me, Lauren Scardella, Esq., a New Jersey traffic and DUI defense attorney who helps people resolve license issues across Burlington, Ocean, and Middlesex Counties. I offer straightforward, personalized guidance to help you understand your options and avoid costly mistakes.
Contact The Scardella Law Firm LLC today to schedule your consultation.
Disclaimer: This blog is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Reading this content does not create an attorney-client relationship.