Driving with a suspended or revoked license in New York is a serious offense, known as Aggravated Unlicensed Operation (AUO). An AUO charge can lead to fines, jail time, and a longer suspension of your license. Understanding the common mistakes that lead to AUO charges—and how to avoid them—can help protect your driving privileges and keep you on the road legally.
1. Ignoring License Suspension or Revocation Notices
One of the most common mistakes that leads to AUO charges is ignoring or missing the notice of your license suspension or revocation. If you get a notice from the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), read it carefully and take immediate action. If you don’t handle it, you could be driving with a suspended or revoked license without even knowing. To avoid this, always check your mail for any communication from the DMV, and follow the steps to fix the issue.
2. Not Renewing Your License on Time
Another mistake is failing to renew your driver’s license on time. If your license expires and you keep driving without renewing it, you could be charged with AUO. Stay aware of your license’s expiration date and renew it before it expires. You can renew your license online, by mail, or in person at your local DMV to avoid any gaps in your driving privileges.
3. Driving with Unpaid Fines or Violations
If you have unpaid fines or unresolved tickets, you could end up with an AUO charge. The DMV may suspend your license if you don’t pay fines or address violations. To avoid this, check if you have any unpaid fines or tickets and pay them as soon as possible. If needed, dispute the tickets in court.
4. Failure to Reinstate Your License After a Suspension
After serving a suspension, you must take steps to reinstate your license. This could include paying fees, attending programs, or showing proof of insurance. If you don’t properly reinstate your license, you might unknowingly drive with a suspended license, leading to an AUO charge.
5. Driving Without a Valid License Due to Technical Issues
Sometimes, errors in DMV records or problems with your reinstatement can result in a suspended license without your knowledge. If you think there’s an error, check your driving record to make sure everything is up to date.
If you’re facing an AUO charge or have concerns about your driving privileges, Burger Law is here to help. Our legal team specializes in traffic violations and can guide you through the legal process. Contact Burger Law today to discuss your case and protect your rights.
This post was written by a professional at Burger Law. Burger Law delivers reliable legal representation to individuals and businesses throughout Poughkeepsie, NY, and the greater Hudson Valley. Led by Anthony P. Burger, our firm offers personalized, results-oriented counsel in areas such as Traffic & DWI Defense and Corporate Law. Whether you’re navigating a legal challenge, purchasing real estate, or starting a business, we provide honest advice and strong advocacy every step of the way. At Burger Law, we value integrity, clear communication, and achieving the best possible outcome for every client. Contact us today to get the legal support you need. Click here to learn more!
