If you receive a notice from the Motor Vehicle Administration that your driver's license will be suspended, do not panic. There are probably steps that you can take to fight the suspension. However, there are very short time deadlines to file for a hearing to prevent the suspension.

People receive suspension notices for a variety of reasons. Perhaps they accumulated eight points on their driving record or were convicted of a moving violation while on a provisional license. The Medical Advisory Board may have concerns about their ability to drive. They may have received a DUI that can result in a lengthy suspension.

In most cases, you can contest the suspension at an administrative hearing. When you receive a Notice of Suspension from the MVA, it should include detailed instructions on how to request a hearing. You will only have 10 or 15 days to file for the hearing and the time deadlines are strictly construed. In some cases, there is a $150.00 filing fee. In other cases, there is no filing fee.

All hearings are now virtual and take place on the WebEx platform. You can e-mail exhibits to the Office of Administrative Hearings in advance of the hearing. The hearing will be in front of an Administrative Law Judge who is independent and does not work for the MVA. The MVA will submit exhibits, but does not appear at the hearing.

In some cases, such as point violations or violations while on a provisional license, the judge has a great deal of discretion. You can present documentation of your need to drive such as a letter from your employer or school transcript as evidence. You also can testify. The judge can issue a reprimand which means that you can continue to drive without any suspension. The judge also can give you a work restricted license or reduce the suspension.

If you receive a DUI and the officer confiscated your license, you have a very short time to request a hearing. You will not receive a notice or warning from the MVA. Alternatively, you can put the ignition interlock on your car. If you are convicted or receive probation before judgment for a DUI, you will receive a letter requiring you to do the interlock if you have not previously done it for the same incident.

If the Medical Advisory Board is involved, they can issue an emergency suspension if they feel it is not safe for you to drive. In other cases, they do not issue an emergency suspension, but inform you that your will be suspended. In either case, you can file for a timely hearing and introduce  medical records, letters from doctors, and completed forms to show that it is safe for you to drive.

In summation, if you receive notice of a suspension, act quickly to protect your rights. Most people cannot afford to have their license suspended and there are usually remedies to prevent that from happening.