You are probably aware that if you commit a traffic violation of relative seriousness in Virginia, you could lose your driving privileges. This occurs because of either a license suspension or revocation.
Both are similar in that they both take away your legal driving privileges. However, each has its own legal implications. Therefore, it is important to understand the difference between the two.
License revocation
According to Aceable, license revocation not only takes away your driving privileges, but it also renders your driver’s license completely null and void. There is no reversing a license revocation and no way of reinstating it after revocation takes place. Relative to a suspension, revocation is the more severe penalty. Therefore, it takes place after a conviction on a serious traffic violation or other significant offense.
Revocation of your license does not necessarily mean that you can never drive legally again. However, it does mean that you will have to ask permission from the Department of Motor Vehicles and go through the entire licensing process again from the beginning. Once you have met the necessary requirements, you may receive a new license, but you cannot have your old one reinstated.
License suspension
Unlike revocation, the assumption behind a license suspension is that it is temporary. However, it is not always clear how long your suspension will last. An indefinite suspension ends when you meet certain conditions, such as paying fines. A definite suspension ends after you have met similar conditions and after a set timeframe.
The information in this article is not intended as legal advice but provided for educational purposes only.
