Suspensions and Revocations

The State of Georgia considers dangerous, negligent or incompetent drivers to be a menace to the safety of the general public. Driving is a privilege - if you abuse it you may lose it! There are three ways to lose your driving privileges.

Cancellation: The Department of Driver Services is authorized to cancel your driver's license if you fail to give the required or correct information needed in your application or if you are otherwise ineligible. You may reapply once you satisfy the requirements.

Revocation: When your driver's license is revoked, your driving privileges are terminated and withdrawn until the end of the period of time prescribed by the formal action of the DDS. At the expiration of the revocation period, you may apply for a new driver’s license once you satisfy the requirements. You will be required to re-take the driving tests. 

Suspension: When your driver's license is revoked, your driving privileges are terminated and withdrawn until the end of the period of time prescribed by the formal action of the DDS. At the expiration of the revocation period, you may apply for a new driver’s license once you satisfy the requirements. You will be required to re-take the driving tests. 

Reinstatement Information

At the expiration of the suspension or revocation period, a customer can apply for reinstatement once all requirements are satisfied. Please note that requirements differ according to the type of suspensions.

Reporting Convictions

After a conviction of a traffic offense, the court will forward notice of that conviction to DDS. The conviction information will be placed on the driver's driving record by DDS and additional penalties will be imposed, if applicable.

Mandatory Suspension

The Department of Driver Services shall suspend a license for a conviction of any of the following offenses in Georgia or any other state:

  1. Homicide by vehicle.
  2. Any felony in the commission of which a motor vehicle is used.
  3. Using a motor vehicle in fleeing or attempting to elude an officer.
  4. Hit and run or leaving the scene of an accident.
  5. Racing.
  6. Operating a motor vehicle with a revoked, canceled, or suspended registration.

Mandatory Revocation

When a license is revoked driving privileges are terminated and withdrawn until the end of the prescribed time period brought on by formal action by DDS. At the expiration of the revocation period and once all requirements are met, applicant is eligible to restore driving privileges.

Your driver's license will be revoked in Georgia, if you are convicted of one of the following:

  1. A driver is declared a habitual violator for any third conviction of a mandatory suspended offense within 5 years. Revocation is for 5 years.
  2. Refusal to submit to a re-examination of driving skills or knowledge of driving rules after receiving notice giving reasonable grounds for such a request.
  3. If there is sufficient evidence of incompetence or unfitness to drive, due to being incapacitated by reason of disease, mental or physical disability, or by alcohol or drug addiction.

Other Common Suspensions

  1. Refusal to take a chemical test in conjunction with an arrest for DUI.
  2. Conviction for driving without insurance.
  3. Conviction for driving while suspended. 
  4. Failure to appear in court or respond to a traffic citation, your license may be suspended indefinitely.
  5. Any felony that involved the use of a motor vehicle.
  6. You have accumulated 15 points within 24 months under the Georgia point system, including violations committed out of state. Select for information on Points and Points Reduction.
  7. A conviction for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Limited Driving Permits

In some situations, a limited driving permit may be available for a fee during the suspension period, select for Fees & Terms details. A limited driving permit will restrict the places and purpose that you are allowed to drive such as:

  1. Driving to your place of employment to perform the normal duties of your occupation.
  2. Receiving scheduled medical attention or obtain prescribed drugs.
  3. Attending classes at a college or school in which you are enrolled as a student.
  4. Attending regularly scheduled sessions or meeting of support organizations for the treatment of alcohol or other drugs.
  5. Attending a driver education program or alcohol/drug assessment and treatment program.
  6. Attend court, report to community supervision or probation, or to perform community service. 
  7. Transport unlicensed immediate family members to obtain medical care or prescriptions, to work, or to school. 
  8. Attend any programs or activities ordered by an accountability court judge. 

DDS may also specify the places you can travel to, specific routes of travel, times of travel, and indicate vehicles, or other restrictions deemed necessary.  Limited driving permits are not valid for driving a commercial vehicle.

A limited driving permit will be revoked by DDS if you are convicted of violating any state law or local ordinance relating to the movement of vehicles, violating any of the conditions or restrictions of your permit, or if another suspension is imposed.