Depending on the circumstances, sometimes when a person in New York is charged with a drunk driving offense, they may face the revocation or suspension of their driver’s license. This can be very damaging on a person’s everyday life. Driving is a necessity for many people, as it may be their only way to travel to work, run errands or go pretty much anywhere. Therefore, it is important to understand the difference between the revocation of one’s driver’s license and the suspension of one’s driver’s license.

When a person’s driver’s license is revoked, he or she is required to turn it in to the Department of Motor Vehicles. At this point it is no longer legal for that person to operate a motor vehicle. Once the revocation period is complete, the person will have to apply for a permit in order to commence the procedure for obtaining his or her driver’s license. However, regaining one’s driver’s license after having it revoked will not bestow upon a driver a new driving record. Previous convictions will remain on the driver’s record, even once the revocation period is complete.

Like a driver’s license revocation, when a person’s driver’s license is suspended, he or she is required to turn it into the Department of Motor Vehicles. At this point it is no longer legal for that person to operate a motor vehicle. Once the suspension period is complete, the person’s driver’s license will be returned to him or her.

Different types of drunk driving offenses have different penalties. Depending on the circumstances, a motorist might have his or her driver’s license suspended or revoked. This is more than a mere inconvenience – it could affect all aspects of one’s life. Therefore, if a person is facing driver’s license suspension or revocation for a drunk driving offense, it may be prudent to seek professional guidance.