Seeing that your Minnesota driver’s license has been suspended or revoked raises an immediate question: what does that actually mean for your ability to drive? Although the terms are sometimes used interchangeably, suspension and revocation are different forms of license withdrawal, and the distinction can affect what you need to do next.
The reason for the withdrawal matters just as much as the label. Minnesota law provides different grounds for suspending and revoking driving privileges. A DWI or impaired driving offense, for example, can result in a license revocation in addition to the criminal case. If you received a notice from the Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS), identifying the type and reason for the withdrawal is an important first step.
Suspended vs. Revoked License in Minnesota: What’s the Difference?
Both a suspension and a revocation generally mean you cannot legally drive unless you have specific authorization to do so. The differences become more important when you look at why DPS withdrew your driving privileges, whether a limited license may be available, and what you must do to regain full driving privileges. Here is a quick comparison:
| Suspended License | Revoked License | |
|---|---|---|
| What does it mean? | Your driving privileges have been temporarily withdrawn. | Your driving privileges have been withdrawn based on circumstances that Minnesota law identifies as grounds for revocation. |
| Can you legally drive? | Generally no, unless you have legal authorization. | Generally no, unless you have legal authorization. |
| Can you get a limited license? | Possibly, depending on the reason for suspension and other requirements. | Possibly, depending on the reason for revocation and other requirements. |
| How do you get your license back? | You must satisfy the applicable reinstatement requirements. | You must satisfy the applicable reinstatement requirements. |
| What if you drive anyway? | You can face a separate criminal charge. | You can face a separate criminal charge. |
These are general distinctions. The exact consequences and reinstatement requirements depend on the reason for the withdrawal and your driving history.
What Does a License Suspension Mean in Minnesota?
A suspension is a temporary withdrawal of driving privileges. Minnesota law allows DPS to suspend a driver’s license for a number of reasons, including habitual traffic violations, reckless or negligent driving, certain traffic violations connected to an accident involving injury or serious property damage, and some out-of-state offenses.
The important point is that a suspension does not necessarily end simply because a certain amount of time has passed. Before driving again, confirm that the suspension period has ended, any applicable reinstatement requirements have been completed, and your driving privileges have actually been restored.
What Does It Mean When Your License Is Revoked?
Minnesota law also identifies circumstances in which DPS must revoke a driver’s license. These include convictions for DWI, certain criminal vehicular offenses, some motor-vehicle-related felonies, leaving the scene of certain accidents involving death or injury, and other offenses identified by statute.
Revocation is particularly important in impaired driving cases because a person may be dealing with both a criminal charge and a separate driver’s license issue. Depending on the circumstances, there may also be questions involving chemical test refusal, Minnesota’s implied consent law, or the ignition interlock program.
How Do You Get Your Driving Privileges Back?
Do not assume that reaching the end of a suspension or revocation period automatically allows you to drive again. Reinstatement requirements depend on the reason your privileges were withdrawn.
Depending on the circumstances, you may need to pay applicable fees, complete required testing, provide documentation, apply for a new license, or satisfy other DPS requirements. A person dealing with a first DWI may face different requirements from someone with prior impaired driving incidents or a person whose license was withdrawn for an unrelated reason.
If your license was revoked after an impaired driving incident, reviewing the specific driver’s license revocation and the underlying DWI case together can help clarify what needs to happen next.
Can You Get a Limited License After a Suspension or Revocation?
Some people whose licenses have been suspended or revoked may qualify for a limited license. Eligibility depends on the reason for the withdrawal and whether the driver satisfies Minnesota’s requirements.
A limited license does not provide unrestricted driving privileges. Instead, an eligible person may be permitted to drive for specified purposes, such as needs connected to employment, qualifying treatment or counseling, certain essential family responsibilities, or postsecondary education.
Waiting periods can apply depending on the reason for the withdrawal. Because eligibility is circumstance-specific, do not assume a limited license is available simply because you need to drive for work. An attorney can help determine what restrictions apply and whether a limited license may be an option.
What Happens If You Drive on a Suspended or Revoked License?
Driving while your privileges are suspended or revoked can create a separate criminal problem. Driving after suspension and driving after revocation are generally misdemeanors when the statutory requirements are met. Driving after revocation can be a gross misdemeanor when a person is prohibited from driving unless participating in the ignition interlock program.
If you are uncertain whether your privileges have been restored, verify your status before driving. A new charge may create another legal issue without resolving the reason your license was originally withdrawn.
What Should You Do If Your Minnesota License Has Been Suspended or Revoked?
Start with the notice from DPS. Identify why your driving privileges were withdrawn, the effective dates, any outstanding reinstatement requirements, and whether some form of limited driving privilege may be available.
If the license action is connected to a DWI or another criminal case, it is also important to understand how the two matters interact. Issues involving chemical testing, field sobriety tests, and other potential DWI defense issues may need to be considered separately from the steps required to restore your license.
Coodin Law Office, LLC can review why your driving privileges were withdrawn, explain the restrictions that currently apply, and help determine what options may be available for addressing the underlying legal matter and restoring your driving privileges. Contact our office to discuss your situation.