Driving With Suspended License in Reading, PA – Protect Your Record and Your Freedom
Getting caught driving with a suspended license in Pennsylvania is more than a traffic violation, it’s a criminal offense that can lead to hefty fines, extended suspension, and even jail time. Whether your license was suspended due to a DUI, unpaid tickets, or administrative issues, the consequences of being pulled over can be severe.
At Nevins & McAllister, our experienced driving with suspended license lawyers in Reading, PA provide aggressive legal representation to help protect your rights, avoid further penalties, and keep your record clean. We know the local courts, the traffic laws, and how to build a solid defense for drivers facing suspension-related charges.
If you’ve been charged with driving under suspension, call Nevins & McAllister at 610-372-5128 today for a confidential consultation.
What Does It Mean to Drive With a Suspended License in Pennsylvania?
In Pennsylvania, it is illegal to operate a motor vehicle if your driver’s license has been suspended, revoked, or canceled by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT). These violations are governed under 75 Pa.C.S. § 1543, and are divided into two main categories:
Section 1543(a): Driving Under Suspension (Non-DUI Related)
This applies when a person drives with a suspended license not related to a DUI. Penalties include:
- A summary offense
- $200 fine
- An additional 1-year license suspension
Section 1543(b): Driving Under Suspension (DUI-Related)
This charge is far more serious. If your license was suspended due to a DUI or refusal to submit to chemical testing:
- First offense: 60 to 90 days in jail, $500 fine
- Second offense: At least 90 days in jail, $1,000 fine
- Third or subsequent offense: 6 months in jail, $2,500 fine
If alcohol was involved at the time of the stop, even if you weren’t intoxicated, you could also face mandatory incarceration and further license suspension.
Why Licenses Get Suspended in PA
Many drivers are surprised to learn that their license was suspended at the time of the stop. Common reasons for license suspension in Pennsylvania include:
- DUI or refusal to submit to a breath/blood test
- Accumulating too many points on your driving record
- Failure to pay traffic fines or appear in court
- Driving without insurance
- Failure to pay child support
- Medical conditions flagged by PennDOT
Whatever the reason for your suspension, driving without resolving the issue can make matters far worse. Let our team at Nevins & McAllister help you fight the charges and work toward license reinstatement.
Penalties for Driving With a Suspended License
The penalties for driving under suspension vary based on why your license was suspended and whether you have prior offenses. Consequences may include:
- Jail time or probation
- Significant fines and court costs
- Additional license suspension time
- Mandatory ignition interlock devices
- Vehicle impoundment in repeat DUI-related cases
Additionally, having a conviction for driving while suspended on your record can impact your:
- Auto insurance premiums
- Employment (especially if driving is required)
- Ability to obtain or maintain a commercial driver’s license (CDL)
These are serious consequences, and they escalate with each additional offense. That’s why it’s critical to speak with an experienced attorney as soon as possible.
Defending Against Driving With a Suspended License Charges
At Nevins & McAllister, we build tailored defenses to reduce or dismiss your charges. Depending on the facts of your case, possible defense strategies may include:
1. You Were Not Properly Notified of the Suspension
PennDOT must prove you were officially notified of your license suspension. If there was an error in mailing, processing, or communication, your charge may not hold.
2. The Suspension Was Improperly Applied or Already Resolved
If your license had been reinstated or the suspension had expired (but PennDOT records weren’t updated), you may have a valid defense.
3. You Were Not the Driver
In some cases, mistaken identity or misattributed responsibility (such as in rental or shared vehicle situations) may be used to challenge the charge.
4. Emergency Exception
If you drove due to a legitimate emergency (e.g., transporting someone to the hospital), we may present evidence to justify your actions under Pennsylvania law.
5. Constitutional or Procedural Errors
We also review your case for any errors in the stop, arrest, or evidence collection that may violate your rights and justify a dismissal.
Avoiding Additional Suspension Time
If convicted, your license suspension may be extended, even if you’re already serving a long-term suspension. We help clients:
- Negotiate plea deals to avoid added suspension time
- Seek limited driving privileges, where available
- Pursue alternative resolutions like Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (ARD), where applicable
The sooner you contact our firm, the more options may be available to protect your license and freedom.
Reinstating a Suspended License in Pennsylvania
Our legal support doesn’t stop at defense—we also assist clients in resolving underlying issues and working toward license reinstatement. This often involves:
- Paying overdue fines or court fees
- Completing court-mandated programs
- Submitting required documentation to PennDOT
- Scheduling and attending restoration hearings
- Installing and maintaining ignition interlock devices, if required
We’ll help you understand what steps are needed to restore your license and support you through the process.
Who We Represent
At Nevins & McAllister, we represent a wide range of clients charged with driving under suspension, including:
- First-time offenders who made an honest mistake
- Commercial drivers (CDL holders) whose livelihoods are at risk
- Individuals with DUI-related suspensions facing jail time
- Out-of-state drivers pulled over in Pennsylvania
- People unaware of their suspension status
Whether this is your first encounter with the legal system or you’re facing repeat offenses, we will defend you with professionalism, urgency, and care.
Why Choose Nevins & McAllister to Handle Your Case?
You don’t need to face these charges alone. With decades of combined experience in criminal defense and traffic-related offenses, our legal team is prepared to guide you through the legal process with clarity and confidence.
We offer:
- In-depth knowledge of PennDOT policies and PA traffic law
- Personalized legal strategies for each client
- Strong courtroom presence and negotiation skills
- Prompt communication and legal transparency
- A proven track record of favorable results in traffic and license cases
When your freedom, record, and driving privileges are on the line, you need an attorney who won’t treat your case like “just another ticket.”
Talk to a Suspended License Defense Lawyer in Reading, PA Today
If you’ve been charged with driving with a suspended license in Reading, PA, the time to act is now. A conviction can follow you for years, but with the right legal defense, you may be able to avoid further suspension, fines, or jail time. Call Nevins & McAllister at 610-372-5128 to schedule a confidential consultation and start building your defense.