PA traffic citations with License suspensions

As most people would expect, Pennsylvania will suspend a driver convicted of serious Vehicle Code violations such as DUI, reckless driving, road racing, driving while suspended, and driving while DUI suspended.

Pennsylvania also suspends drivers convicted of other serious traffic violations. Section 1532(a) of the Vehicle Code requires a one year suspension when a person is convicted of: 75 Pa.C.S. § 3735.1, Aggravated Assault by Vehicle While DUI; 75 Pa.C.S. § 3742, Accidents Involving Death or Personal Injury; 75 Pa.C.S. § 3742.1, Accidents Involving Death or Personal Injury While Not Properly Licensed; 75 Pa.C.S. § 7111, False Title or Registration; 75 Pa.C.S. § 7122, Forged Documents or Plates. Section 1532(b) authorizes a three year suspension when a driver is convicted of 75 Pa.C.S. § 3732, Homicide by Vehicle and/or 75 Pa.C.S. § 3735, Homicide by Vehicle While DUI.

There are, however, other less obvious traffic offenses that also result in a license suspension upon conviction. Therefore, before entering a guilty plea to any traffic citation, a driver should evaluate the consequences of that conviction and specifically check whether the conviction will result in a license suspension. Below are some specific offenses that include a license suspension:

75 Pa.C.S. § 1533, Failure to Respond to a Traffic Citation

Section 1533(a) authorizes PennDOT to suspend a person's license if they fail to respond to any Pennsylvania Vehicle Code citation other than parking tickets.

Section 1533(b) authorizes PennDOT to suspend a Pennsylvania Driver who fails to respond to a traffic citation issued anywhere within the United States.

The term of the suspension extends until the driver responds to the citation and satisfies any applicable fines and costs. Therefore, it is important for Pennsylvania drivers to timely respond to all traffic citations. It is also important to update your current address on your license so you receive all notices the court mails to you about the citation.  

75 Pa.C.S. § 1501, Driving Without a License - 2nd & Subsequent Convictions

Pennsylvania does not issue a license suspension for a first offense Section 1501, Driving Without a License conviction.

​However, 75 Pa.C.S. § 1532(b)(2) authorizes a six (6) month drivers license suspension for a second or subsequent conviction of 75 Pa.C.S. § 1501.

​For the six (6) month suspension to apply, the prior Section 1501 offense must have occurred within five (5) years of the current offense date.

​Therefore, prior to pleading guilty to a 75 Pa.C.S. § 1501 citation, it is important to be certain that you have not plead guilty to this offense within the last five (5) years of the date of the current violation. To be sure, you should request and review your driver history prior to entering your plea.

75 Pa.C.S. § 3733, Fleeing or Attempting to Elude Police

A person convicted of driving while fleeing or attempt to elude the police will be suspended for 12 months.

75 Pa.C.S. § 3714(b), Careless Driving Resulting in Death

In general, a careless driving conviction does not carry a suspension. However, if a person is convicted of careless driving that results in an unintentional death, they face a six month license suspension.

75 Pa.C.S. § 3734, Driving Without Light to Avoid ID or Arrest

A person convicted of driving without lights to avoid identification or to evade arrest is subject to a six month license suspension.

75 Pa.C.S. § 3743, Accidents Involving Damage to Attended Vehicle or Property

A person involved in a crash involving another occupied vehicle or property attended by a person is subject to a six month license suspension if they fail to remain at the scene to provide their information and/or render aid.

​We Fight Traffic Citations that Carry License Suspensions

At Lampman Law, we understand the importance of having a valid driver's license. If you have been cited with traffic violation in Pennsylvania and are concerned that you may be subject to a suspension please call us at 570-371-3737.