Massachusetts License Suspensions for Drug Convictions

The Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles will suspend your driver’s license if you are convicted of certain drug offenses. A conviction for simple possession of a Class A, B, C, D, or E controlled substance (e.g. marijuana, cocaine, heroin, percocet, or oxycontin) will result in a one year license suspension. 

A conviction for possession with intent to distribute a Class D or E controlled substance (marijuana or pills) or use of a forged prescription will result in a 2 year loss of license.

A first offense conviction of possession with intent to distribute a Class A, B, or C controlled substance or a a second or subsequent conviction of possession with intent to distribute a Class D or E drug will trigger a 3 year license revocation. 

School zone drug violations, as well as drug trafficking, will result in 5 year suspension. 

Drug convictions resulting from out of state violations will count as if they had occurred in Massachusetts. 

It is possible to apply for a hardship license from the Registry of Motor Vehicles for drug-related suspensions, once at least ½ of the suspension time has been served. Hardship licensing is discretionary and the applicant must prove he or she is qualified for hardship relief. The Registry requires proof of clean drug screens, the completion of a drug treatment program, and a letter from the hardship license applicant’s probation officer. Documentary evidence of a severe hardship is also required.

Where the Registry suspends a license years after the triggering drug conviction, it may be possible to get the suspension reversed.