RMV and Licensing Matters for DUI
License Suspension or Revocation
RMV stands for “Registry of Motor Vehicles,” a term unique to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. In every other part of the country, this state level government agency is referred to as the DMV, or the “Department of Motor Vehicles.” Initially an entity of the state, the RMV is now overseen by the Massachusetts Department of Transportation, or MassDOT. Regardless of the terminology, the function of this office is the same: to process the registration of motor vehicles and driver’s licenses, including license suspension and revocation.
If your license has been suspended or revoked in the wake of an OUI or DUI charge, Coughlin Law Group can help. We have extensive experience in the areas of license suspension appeals and hardship license requests.
In Massachusetts, a person’s license may be suspended or revoked for any number of reasons, including but not limited to:
- Three speeding tickets within one year
- One speeding ticket for permit holders or junior operator’s license holders
- Three surchargable events (at-fault accidents or moving violations)
- Habitual traffic offender
- Incompetence or medical issues
- Property vandalism
- Leaving the scene of an accident
- Out-of-state convictions
- Operating while under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Three no transparent window tickets
- Violation of controlled substance laws
- Refusal to submit to a breathalyzer or blood alcohol test
The Consequences of Suspension
Many people falsely assume that they can continue driving to work or school after a notice of suspension or revocation has been delivered. Maybe they did not personally open the letter, or they think that they can take a family member’s car instead. This is not the case.
After a license has been revoked or suspended, it is illegal for that individual to operate any motor vehicle. Those who drive anyway face increased periods of suspension or indefinite revocation of licenses, in addition to fines and potential jail time, depending on the severity of one’s offenses. For example, if someone is caught driving while under the influence, the registrar may add an additional year to the revocation or suspension.
Get Back on the Road
Once the period of suspension or revocation has lapsed, it may still be illegal to drive. Individuals must reinstate their licenses through official government channels, including paying a fee and retaking certain driver’s tests, if necessary. Be aware of all the necessary steps, or you may still be charged with driving with a suspended license.
If you have been accused of operating a motor vehicle with a revoked or suspended license, it is important to fight these charges. In addition to facing jail time and increased fines, a guilty verdict carries several risks: the loss of license, higher insurance rates, and more points on your license.
Have you been cited for operating a motor vehicle with a suspended or revoked license? Contact Coughlin Law Group. Our team of former prosecutors will work with you to appeal the citation and make a case to a clerk magistrate. Call us today for a free consultation at (617) 758-8888.