Notice of a “Suspension of Driver’s License / Right to Operate” in the Mail from the Massachusetts RMV
In Massachusetts, if the Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) intends to suspend or revoke a driver’s license, the RMV will send a letter in the mail notifying the recipient of a “Suspension of Driver’s License / Right to Operate.”
The notice will inform the operator of the violations that lead to the suspension, the start date of the suspension, and the length of suspension. Generally, a driver’s license suspension will take effect 10 days after the issuance of the letter from the RMV. Thus, individuals facing a license suspension may have little or no advanced notice of the effective date of the revocation.
Why is My License Being Suspended in Massachusetts?
The RMV may send a notice of a pending license suspension for a number of reasons. Frequently, a drivers license will be suspended for an accumulation of moving violations or convictions of certain crimes. In addition, the RMV has recently been suspending licenses of individuals that were convicted of crimes or violations well in the past, yet the suspensions were not served in Massachusetts.
Some of the more common situations that result in the RMV generating a suspension letter include:
- Accumulation of Surchargeable Events
- OUI Convictions in Massachusetts
- Out of State OUI Convictions
- Convictions on Certain Out Of State Tickets (Including Careless Operation)
- Criminal Convictions
- Breathalyzer Refusals
- Breathalyzer Failures
- Interlock Device Violations
- Habitual Traffic Offender Designations
- Junior Operator License Violations
- Immediate Threat Suspensions
How Do I Appeal a License Suspension through the RMV?
A License Suspension may be appealed in person through a Hearings Officer at the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles. Depending on the nature of the suspension, a driver may be requesting to have the suspension removed or to be issued a Hardship License while the suspension is in effect.
If a Hearings Officer does not amend the suspension, drivers have the ability to appeal the decision of the Hearings Officer to the Division of Insurance Board of Appeals. After an appeal is filed, the Board of Appeals will schedule a further hearing date on the matter. The Board may overrule the decision of the RMV Hearings Officer.
Can I be Represented by a Lawyer at an RMV Hearing in MA?
Driver’s facing possible license suspensions through the Massachusetts RMV are entitled to be represented by an attorney at both the Hearings Officer and Board of Appeal level.
Having an experienced RMV Lawyer presenting your case to a Hearings Officer or the Board is often invaluable. In addition to presenting your case to the RMV, an attorney will closely examine the circumstances surrounding the suspension in order to achieve the best possible outcome.
Flat-Fee Massachusetts RMV Lawyer
At Caselden Law, we handle all RMV suspension appeals on a fixed fee basis. We understand the pressing need for legal representation when facing a license suspension and are available to our clients on short notice.
If you have received a “Suspension of Driver’s License / Right to Operate” letter from the RMV, Contact Our Firm to speak with an experienced Boston RMV Lawyer about your case. All initial consultations and phone calls are free of charge. We will clearly explain the process and will provide you with a fixed fee quote for legal services.
Contact Us for a No-Obligation Fixed Fee Quote.