License Suspended on Long Island? You're Not Alone—But You Do Have Options

If you’ve received a notice that your license has been suspended—or you're driving around Long Island without a valid license—you are far from alone. A recent Newsday investigation https://www.newsday.com/long-island/transportation/license-suspension-ticket-hck6d0hy uncovered that roughly 50,000 drivers in Nassau and Suffolk Counties are driving with suspended, revoked, or never-issued licenses. That’s a staggering number—and a growing public safety concern for Long Island residents and law enforcement.

As a traffic attorney who has been practicing for over 30 years and serving the people of Long Island daily, I can tell you this: many of these drivers didn’t set out to become “unlicensed.” Often, it starts with one missed traffic ticket, an unpaid fine, or accumulating just enough points to trigger an automatic suspension by the DMV.

Why Are So Many Long Islanders Losing Their Licenses?

Here’s what the data and my personal experience reveal:

Missed court dates and unpaid tickets: Failing to answer or pay a traffic ticket is one of the fastest ways to have your license suspended. Many drivers think they’ll "deal with it later"—but the DMV doesn’t wait.

Too many points: New York uses a point system to track violations. Get 11 points in 18 months (expanded to 24 months), and you’re facing suspension. Speeding, texting while driving, and improper lane changes can add up quickly.

Failure to pay surcharges: Even if your violation seems minor, unpaid Driver Responsibility Assessments can lead to suspension until they’re resolved.

Not understanding the process: Many people don’t realize they can—and should—fight tickets, especially if their license is on the line. Without proper legal guidance, drivers can inadvertently make things worse by pleading guilty just to “get it over with.”

What the Newsday Report Reveals

According to Newsday, Long Island drivers make up a disproportionate share of statewide tickets for driving with a suspended license—nearly one in five. That’s a major red flag. It means local residents are not just facing traffic violations—they’re unknowingly stepping into criminal territory.

Yes, driving with a suspended license (VTL § 511) is a criminal offense in New York. It's not just a traffic ticket—it can result in a misdemeanor on your record, arrest, and even jail time in serious cases.

And once your license is suspended, getting it back is not always straightforward. The DMV might require you to pay multiple fines, complete classes, or even attend hearings, depending on the reason for the suspension.

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### What Can You Do If Your License Is Suspended?

Here’s what I tell every client who walks through my door:

1. Don't Panic—Get Help

The worst thing you can do is ignore a suspension. The best thing? Talk to a traffic attorney who knows how to work with local courts and the DMV to get your driving privileges restored. Every situation is different—but I’ve helped countless Long Islanders avoid criminal charges and get back behind the wheel legally.

2. Know What Triggered It

Was it points? A missed court date? An unpaid fine? A lapse in insurance? The first step is figuring out *why* you were suspended. My office can run your abstract, review your case history, and tell you exactly what you’re up against.

3. Resolve the Underlying Violation

Clearing up the reason for the suspension is critical. That may involve negotiating with prosecutors, entering a plea deal, or taking your case to trial. I focus on minimizing points and fines—and in many cases, we can get the original ticket reduced or dismissed entirely.

4. Get the DMV to Reinstate You

Once the legal issues are handled, I’ll walk you through the DMV reinstatement process. We make sure all forms are filed, surcharges paid, and no detail is missed—so you don’t end up suspended again for something bureaucratic.

The Bottom Line: You Don’t Have to Navigate This Alone

I’ve been practicing traffic law in New York since 1991, and I know firsthand how stressful and confusing it can be when your license is on the line. For many Long Islanders, especially those who drive for work or care for family members, losing the right to drive isn’t just inconvenient—it’s life-changing.

Whether your license is already suspended, or you’ve been issued a ticket that could lead to suspension, don’t wait until it’s too late.

📞 Call my office today for a free consultation—or visit 5TownsTraffic.com.