What Happens If A Vehicle Is Driven During License Suspension?

When a person's driving license is suspended, they are legally prohibited from operating any vehicle for the duration of the suspension. Driving during this period is considered a serious offense under the Motor Vehicles Act, and there are strict legal consequences. Violating the suspension order can lead to hefty fines, vehicle impoundment, and in some cases, further suspension or cancellation of the driver's license.

Consequences of Driving During License Suspension

Penalties for Driving During Suspension:

Driving a vehicle while your license is suspended is a criminal offense under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. The penalties include:

• Fine: The driver may be fined between ₹5,000 to ₹10,000 for driving during the suspension period. The exact amount depends on the state’s regulations and the severity of the violation.
• Jail Term: In some cases, the driver may face imprisonment for up to 6 months if found guilty of repeated offenses or if the act of driving during suspension is considered egregious.
• Extended Suspension: The suspension period could be extended for an additional period, depending on the circumstances surrounding the violation.

Vehicle Impoundment:

If a driver is caught driving during a suspension, the vehicle may be impounded by traffic authorities. The driver must pay additional fees for the release of the vehicle, which includes towing charges and storage fees. The vehicle may remain impounded for the duration of the suspension or until the fines are paid.

Additional Legal Consequences:

• Court Proceedings: In some cases, the driver may have to appear in court if criminal charges are filed. The court could impose additional fines, penalties, or community service.
• Insurance Issues: Driving during suspension can void the vehicle insurance policy, leaving the driver financially liable for any accidents or damages.

Impact on Future Driving Eligibility:

If a person is found driving during a suspension period, it can impact their future driving privileges. The court or Regional Transport Officer (RTO) may:

• Cancel the Driver’s License: If the violation is severe or if the individual has multiple violations, their license may be permanently revoked.
• Increased Penalties for Future Violations: The driver’s record will reflect the violation, and future violations could lead to harsher penalties or a longer suspension.

Possible Revocation of Permit:

For commercial drivers (e.g., taxi drivers, bus drivers), driving during license suspension may result in the revocation of their commercial driving permit. They may not be allowed to reapply for a commercial license for a specified period or permanently.

Insurance and Liability:

If the person drives during a license suspension and causes an accident, their insurance coverage might not apply. This means the driver could be held personally liable for damages and injuries caused by the accident, leading to significant financial burdens.

Example:

In Mumbai, a driver’s license was suspended due to repeated traffic violations, including dangerous driving and over-speeding. During the suspension period, the driver was caught driving a vehicle. The authorities imposed a fine of ₹10,000, and the vehicle was impounded for three days. In addition to this, the driver’s license suspension was extended by another six months, and they had to attend a court hearing where additional fines were imposed.