People in Hawaii count on being able to drive around to run errands, get to work and handle other tasks. For some, this isn’t possible because their driver’s license was suspended. It is a criminal offense to drive while your license is suspended, so you’ll have to find other ways to get around.
There are many reasons a person’s driving privileges might be suspended in Hawaii. Some suspensions are for a specific amount of time or until certain conditions are met. Before you’re able to drive again, you’ll have to have your license reinstated. Even if you’re eligible for reinstatement, you will still face legal issues if you drive before that’s handled.
Reasons for a driver’s license suspension in Hawaii
While Hawaii doesn’t use a points system for driving violations, it does provide for a driver’s license to be suspended for specific infractions. If you have any of these, you should contact the appropriate office for your area to determine what you need to do to drive legally again.
- Certain drug-related crimes
- Alcohol-related offenses like driving under the influence
- Major traffic violations, including criminal traffic violations like excessive speeding and reckless driving
- Refusing to take a blood alcohol concentration test
- Failing a blood alcohol concentration test
- Failing to insure your vehicle or having an accident without insurance coverage
If your driver’s license is suspended because of a criminal act, you will likely have to pay off all fines and court costs prior to having it reinstated. Your lawyer can help to explain the terms of reinstatement so you know what to expect.
Appeals and hearings for driver’s license suspensions
It is sometimes possible to appeal a driver’s license suspension. This is done through an administrative hearing and is subject to specific time limits and rules. If the driver’s license suspension was issued by one of the state’s criminal courts, you would have to contact that court to find out what you can do to appeal.
If you’re facing any criminal charges or traffic violations that could result in a driver’s license suspension, you should consult with your attorney to find out what options you have. There are sometimes avenues that can help you avoid losing your right to drive in this state. Learning all the options you have enables you to determine what course of action you feel is in your best interests.