What happens to your license after a hit and run conviction

A hit and run conviction triggers automatic license suspension in every state, but the length of suspension and whether you can drive at all during that time depend on the severity of the accident and your state's laws. In most states, a hit and run involving injury or death results in a mandatory suspension of one to three years with no provisional or restricted driving allowed. A hit and run involving property damage only typically suspends your license for six months to two years, and some states allow you to request a restricted license for work or medical purposes after a waiting period.

The suspension is separate from any criminal penalties — fines, jail time, or probation — that come with the conviction itself. Your state's DMV enforces the suspension automatically once the court reports the conviction, usually within 10 to 30 days. You cannot drive legally during the suspension period, even with a restricted license, unless your state's law specifically allows one and you have obtained it through a formal request to the DMV.

Key Takeaways

  • Hit and run convictions result in automatic license suspension lasting six months to three years depending on whether the accident involved injury, death, or property damage only.
  • Most states do not allow any driving during a hit and run suspension, but some permit a restricted license for work or school after a waiting period if you request it.
  • The suspension begins when the court reports your conviction to the DMV, usually within two to four weeks of sentencing.
  • You must complete all court-ordered requirements — fines, probation, restitution — before the DMV will consider reinstating your license.
  • Driving during suspension is a separate criminal offense and can result in additional fines, jail time, and a longer suspension.

How suspension length is determined by accident type

States classify hit and run incidents into three categories, and each carries a different suspension period. A hit and run involving injury or death is treated as a felony in all states and results in the longest suspension — typically one to three years with no restricted license option. A hit and run involving property damage only is usually a misdemeanor and results in a six-month to two-year suspension, with some states allowing a restricted license after six months if you meet other conditions. A hit and run where you remain at the scene but fail to provide insurance information or contact details is treated less severely and may result in a 30-day to six-month suspension.

Your criminal record, prior traffic violations, and whether you were under the influence at the time also affect the length. A second hit and run conviction typically doubles the suspension period. If you were driving with a suspended or revoked license at the time of the hit and run, the new suspension runs consecutively — meaning it starts after the old one ends — rather than at the same time.

Restricted license options during suspension

A restricted license (also called a hardship license or occupational license) allows you to drive only for specific purposes — usually work, school, medical appointments, or court-ordered programs — during your suspension. Not all states offer restricted licenses for hit and run convictions, and those that do typically require you to wait a set period before you can request one. Some states allow a request after 30 days of suspension; others require you to serve at least half the suspension period first.

To request a restricted license, you must file a petition with the DMV or the court that handled your case, depending on your state. You will need to show proof of employment or school enrollment, explain why you need to drive, and demonstrate that you have no other transportation options. The DMV or court will review your request and either approve, deny, or approve it with conditions — such as requiring an ignition interlock device or limiting your driving to specific hours. Even with a restricted license, driving outside the approved purposes is a violation and can result in when ready full suspension and criminal charges.

What you must complete before reinstatement

The DMV will not reinstate your license at the end of the suspension period unless you have completed all court-ordered requirements. These typically include paying all fines, completing probation, paying restitution to the other party, and completing any court-ordered programs such as traffic school, anger management, or substance abuse counseling. If you were injured in the accident or the other party was injured, you may also be required to show proof of liability insurance or a bond before reinstatement.

Contact your state's DMV and the court that handled your case to request a list of all outstanding requirements. Many courts provide this in writing at sentencing, but requirements sometimes change or are added during probation. Once you have completed everything, file a reinstatement request with the DMV along with proof of completion — court documents, certificates, payment receipts. The DMV will review your file and either reinstate your license or notify you of any remaining issues within 10 to 20 business days.

Driving during suspension and the consequences

Driving with a suspended license is a separate criminal offense, distinct from the original hit and run charge. In most states, a first offense results in a fine of $250 to $1,000, up to 30 days in jail, and an additional suspension of 30 days to one year. A second offense within a set period — usually five to ten years — can result in a fine of $500 to $2,500, up to 90 days in jail, and a suspension extension of six months to two years. If you cause an accident while driving suspended, the penalties increase significantly and may include felony charges.

Law enforcement can check your license status when ready during a traffic stop. If you are stopped and your license is suspended, the officer will likely issue a citation, impound your vehicle, and may arrest you depending on the circumstances and your state's laws. Your vehicle may not be released until you show proof of a valid license or arrange for a licensed driver to pick it up.

State-by-state suspension periods for hit and run

Suspension lengths vary significantly by state. California suspends licenses for one year for hit and run with injury and six months for property damage only. Texas suspends for one year minimum for any hit and run. New York suspends for one year for injury or death and 90 days for property damage. Florida suspends for one year for injury and six months for property damage. Some states, such as Illinois and Ohio, allow a restricted license after serving part of the suspension; others, such as Georgia and North Carolina, do not allow any driving during the suspension period.

A few states impose lifetime suspensions for hit and run involving death or serious injury, though these are rare and usually require multiple prior convictions or extreme circumstances. Check your state's DMV website or contact the agency directly to confirm the exact suspension period that applies to your conviction. The court that sentenced you should also provide this information in writing.

Reinstating your license after suspension ends

Once your suspension period ends and all requirements are met, you must formally request reinstatement from the DMV. In most states, you cannot straightforward start driving again — the reinstatement must be processed and approved first. Submit a reinstatement process to your state's DMV along with proof of completion of all court orders, a reinstatement fee (typically $50 to $300), and any other documents your state requires, such as proof of insurance or a medical certificate if your suspension was related to a health condition.

Processing typically takes 10 to 30 days. Once approved, you will receive a new license in the mail or can pick it up at a DMV office. If your reinstatement is denied, the DMV will send a written explanation of what is missing or what additional requirements you must meet. Do not drive until you receive written confirmation that your license has been reinstated.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a restricted license when ready after a hit and run conviction?

No. Most states require you to wait 30 days to six months before you can request a restricted license, depending on the severity of the accident and your state's law. Some states do not allow restricted licenses for hit and run at all. Contact your state's DMV to learn the waiting period and whether your conviction qualifies.

What if I was not the driver but the car owner?

If you owned the car but were not driving, your license is not suspended. However, you may face civil liability for the accident and could be required to pay damages. If you knowingly allowed someone else to drive your car and leave the scene, you could face criminal charges for aiding and abetting, which may result in your own license suspension.

Does a hit and run suspension affect my ability to get insurance?

Yes. After your license is reinstated, you will be classified as a high-risk driver and will pay significantly higher insurance premiums — often two to three times the standard rate. Some insurers will not cover you at all. You may need to obtain coverage through a state-assigned risk pool, which is more expensive. This continues for three to five years after reinstatement.

Can I drive in another state while my license is suspended?

No. Your suspension is reported to the National Driver Register, and all states recognize suspensions from other states. Driving in another state with a suspended license is illegal and can result in arrest, additional charges, and a longer suspension in both states.

What happens if I do not complete the court requirements before my suspension ends?

Your license will not be reinstated. The DMV will hold your reinstatement until all requirements are satisfied. You must complete probation, pay all fines and restitution, and finish any court-ordered programs before you can drive legally again, even after the suspension period expires.