A Habitual Traffic Offender is person a who has accumulated the following convictions within a 5 year period:
“Major Traffic Violations” 3 or more convictions within a 5 year period of:
- Operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of intoxicating liquor or narcotic drugs;
- Operating a motor vehicle recklessly or negligently so as to endanger;
- Leaving the Scene of a Personal Injury or Property Damage Accident;
- Operating a Motor Vehicle After License Suspension;
- Operating a Motor Vehicle without a License; or
- the commission of any felony in the commission of which a motor vehicle is used.
“Minor Traffic Violations” 12 or more convictions within a 5 year period of offenses which are required by any provision of law to be reported to the RMV and for which the RMV is authorized or required to suspend or revoke the person’s license or right to operate motor vehicles for a period of 30 days or more, including convictions of the offenses listed above.
Habitual Traffic Offender Hearings at the RMV are generally limited to the accuracy of the driving record and the question of whether the driver qualifies, by law, as a Habitual Traffic Offender. If the driving record is accurate and the person qualifies as a Habitual Traffic Offender by law, the Registry MUST suspend the person’s license for a period of 4 years.
Once your Massachusetts Drivers License has been revoked under the Habitual Traffic Offender Law, you must have taken the the NSC “Attitude Adjustment” course within 3 years of your request for reinstatement.
After you have served at least one year of the Habitual Traffic Offender License Revocation, you are entitled to a hearing at the Registry of Motor Vehicles regarding the issuance of a hardship license. The RMV has complete discretion regarding whether or not to issue a hardship license. Skilled legal representation at this hearing can make the difference between getting back on the road or suffering for 3 more years with a revoked license. Contact a Suspended License Lawyer if you have questions regarding the Habitual Traffic Offender law.
You also have the right to appeal a Habitual Traffic Offender License Suspension to the Board of Appeal. By going to the Board, you may be able to get a Hardship License sooner than one year. Also, if the Registry denies your request for a hardship license, you can appeal the Registry’s denial to the Board. The time to contact an attorney is BEFORE you file an appeal. Going before the Board unprepared or too soon can have severe consequences. Contact a Massachusetts Suspended License Lawyer today regarding your case.
You also have the legal right to appeal any decision of the RMV or the Board of Appeal regarding Habitual Traffic Offender Suspensions to Superior Court.
Mass. Registry Lawyers have helped numerous clients with Habitual Traffic Offender Suspensions. Don’t risk being arrested for Operating After Suspension when we may be able to get your license reinstated or get you a Hardship License. Contact us today for a free consultation.