The state of Pennsylvania can suspend driving licenses for many serious offenses that range from causing bodily harm on the road to trying to escape the police. While some states use license suspension as a consequence for people who choose to ignore the law, Pennsylvania’s state code typically reserves licenses suspensions for driving-related violations. Those violations plus a license suspension will make it much harder to find

cheap car insurance in Pennsylvania.

These days, driving is more of a necessity than ever. That’s why it’s easy to forget that driving is a privilege, not a right. It’s up to each state to keep its residents safe by regulating which people should be permitted to drive.

Unfortunately, that also means your license can be suspended for some reasons that you probably aren’t aware of. To help ensure your license is never suspended, the

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has compiled a list of the most common reasons you could lose your license in Pennsylvania.

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What’s the difference between a license suspension and revocation?

It’s easy to confuse license suspension and revocation. The two terms are often used interchangeably, and both instances mean you can’t drive for a specified amount of time. That said, let’s look at each term’s specific definition:

License suspension refers to the temporary loss of driving privileges, which will be reinstated after a specified amount of time.

License revocation means the total loss of driving privileges until specified steps are taken to have them reinstated, such as reapplying for a driver’s license.

While license suspension in Pennsylvania is assigned at the discretion of Pennsylvania’s court system, it cannot be issued without a valid reason.

MORE:

9 common reasons your license can be revoked

What can your license be suspended for in Pennsylvania?

As a general rule, your license will be suspended if you commit a serious violation of the law that involves your car.

While there are exceptions to this rule, you can typically avoid license suspension by driving safely and following Pennsylvania traffic law. Here are some key actions to avoid to ensure you’ll maintain your driving privileges.

1. If you commit a felony with your car

Committing a felony of any kind that involves your car is grounds for license suspension in Pennsylvania. While the specific timeframe depends on the felony, it could warrant a year-long license suspension.

2. If you commit a violation that causes death or serious injury

Causing car accidents of any kind can have dire consequences, including fines and astronomical increases in your car insurance premium. Causing personal injury or death in an accident could result in a license suspension of up to one year.

3. If you drive a stolen car

Buying a

stolen car

, even by mistake, is always a tricky situation. Since there isn’t any easy way to prove you didn’t know it was stolen, you’ll likely be arrested until you can get your story straight. Plus, the court could suspend your license for up to one year.

4. If you drive carelessly

Drivers are always required to be awake and alert at the wheel. Driving in a way that shows a careless attitude for the safety of others, like excessive

speeding

or swerving, can qualify as careless driving. In most cases, you’ll be fined, but a conviction could warrant a year-long license suspension.

5. If you drive recklessly

Reckless driving in Pennsylvania is typically defined as driving with intentional negligence for the safety of others. Think of it like careless driving, but with the understanding that your actions could cause harm to the people and property around you. Since it’s more severe than careless driving, reckless driving is punishable by a three-year license suspension.

6. If you drive under the influence

Every state considers

driving under the influence

a serious offense, which is why many states believe it warrants severe consequences. While a first offense could earn you up to a three-year license suspension, any subsequent offenses could qualify you for license revocation.

MORE:

Pennsylvania DUI laws

7. If you participate in highway racing

Highway racing is a common occurrence in younger drivers with a taste for danger, but it also qualifies as reckless driving. That’s why instances of highway races are always punishable with a three-year license suspension

8. If you get into an accident without a legal license

Driving without a legal license is already a crime, but there’s no way for law enforcement to know about it unless you get pulled over or find yourself in an accident. While the suspension time depends on your specific situation, driving without a legal license could get your license suspended for up to three years.

9. If you attempt to escape arrest

The law is what keeps the general population safe, and law enforcement officers are supposed to maintain that order. That’s why trying to escape arrest is punishable with up to a three-year license suspension.

10. If you operate a car with a suspended license

Choosing to ignore the court-ordered suspension is a serious offense. It shows a disregard for the law, the safety of others, and the court system. Neglecting your license suspension could result in your license being suspended for up to three years.

MORE:

Pennsylvania car insurance laws

How to save money on car insurance in Pennsylvania

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