Massachusetts License Reinstatement Fees Lawyer

If your Massachusetts driver’s license has been suspended or revoked, you must pay a reinstatement fee before you can regain your driving privileges. These fees are set by law under G.L. c. 90 § 33 and cannot be waived by the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) or the Board of Appeals.

Contact us today for a free case evaluation and take the first step toward regaining your driving privileges.

How Many Reinstatement Fees Do You Owe?

• You are required to pay one reinstatement fee for each suspension or revocation event.
• If multiple violations occurred within a single incident, only one fee applies to that suspension period.
• Under the RMV’s ATLAS system, all applicable fees must be paid. Previously, only the highest reinstatement fee may have been assessed, but that is no longer the case.

Common Massachusetts Reinstatement Fees

The amount of the reinstatement fee depends on the reason for your suspension or revocation. Common fees include:

• DUI – 1st offense: $500
• DUI – 2nd offense: $700
• DUI – 3rd or 4th offense: $1,200
• DUI causing serious bodily injury: $500
• Habitual Traffic Offender (HTO): $500
• Chemical Test Refusal: $500
• Other violations: $100 – $1,000 depending on the infraction

These fees are in addition to any fines, court costs, or program fees imposed as part of your suspension.

How to Pay Reinstatement Fees

• Fees may be paid by cash, check, or money order at an RMV branch.
• Payments can also be made by mail or phone, but credit card payments may include additional processing fees.
• You must resolve all outstanding tickets, excise taxes, child support obligations, and court fines before your license can be reinstated.

Massachusetts Hardship License (“Cinderella License”) Fees

A hardship license allows limited driving privileges during a period of suspension. It is typically issued for work, school, or medical reasons and restricts driving to certain hours.

Hardship License Fees

• The fee for a hardship license is the same as the reinstatement fee for your specific suspension.
• Once paid, this fee covers both the hardship license and the eventual full reinstatement of your license once the suspension period ends. There is no need to pay a second fee after the hardship period concludes.

Requirements for a Hardship License

Applicants for hardship licenses must:

• Demonstrate proof of hardship (employment verification, medical documentation, etc.)
• Complete any required alcohol programs or other court-ordered obligations
• Understand that driving is only permitted during approved hardship hours
• Comply with any ignition interlock device (IID) requirements, if applicable

Ignition Interlock Device Requirements

Massachusetts law requires drivers with two or more DUI convictions to install an ignition interlock device (IID) as a condition of receiving a hardship license. The IID must remain installed throughout the hardship period and for an additional two years following full license reinstatement.

Appeals Process and Legal Guidance

While reinstatement fees cannot be appealed or reduced, you may appeal a license suspension or a denial of a hardship license through the Massachusetts Board of Appeals on Motor Vehicle Liability Policies and Bonds.

• Appeals generally take two to twelve weeks to complete.
• The RMV will have legal counsel present at your hearing.
• Having a knowledgeable attorney increases your chances of a successful appeal and ensures you meet all eligibility requirements.

Summary of Massachusetts License Reinstatement Fees

Contact The Law Office of Brian Simoneau, P.C.

If you have questions about your specific reinstatement fees, hardship license eligibility, or ignition interlock requirements, we can help. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the next step toward restoring your driving privileges.