Some drivers brush off minor traffic violations, thinking that after paying the fines, they can just continue about their day. However, multiple traffic violations and serious violations such as DWI can lead to license revocation. These are some of the usual grounds for the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to cancel one’s driver’s license permanently. Other possible grounds are listed below.

Grounds for license cancellation

The DMV usually suspends licenses for minor offenses. This means that if one receives an order for license revocation, they have committed more serious violations. The common grounds for license revocation are as follows:

• Operation of a vehicle without insurance
• Involvement in a motor vehicle accident without insurance
• Involvement in a motor vehicle accident that resulted in a death
• Conviction of DWI
• Conviction of multiple traffic violations or at least one serious traffic offense
• Failure of DMV road exam
• Misrepresentation during the license application

This is not a closed list, and the DMV may revoke a license for other reasons similar to the ones mentioned above.

Can one apply for a license again?

While license revocation is permanent, the violator can apply for a new license after the revocation period upon request to and approval of the DMV. Since it is a new license, the driver will have to go through the written and driving exams again. However, the DMV may deny the new application if the driver has a high-risk driving record or fails to meet the requirements.

Driving is a privilege, and states suspend and revoke licenses to regulate violations and motor vehicle accidents. Knowing the reasons why the DMV revokes licenses can help drivers protect their rights against unnecessary revocations.