Found an issue on this page? Let us know and we will look into it as soon as possible.
Can I drive any vehicle on public roads while license is suspended?
Anonymous4 views4 answers
I am disabled and live alone in a very rural area of northwest Florida and nearest grocery store is twelve miles away. My drivers license is suspended for 2 dui's in five years and I have no friends or family nearby. There is no public transportation that allows for shopping other then taxi (two dollars a mile). Is there a vehicle that I can legally drive (golf cart, moped, etc.) while my license is suspended? I tried the "special supervision drivers program" but it was too costly both financially and was a mental and physical hardship for me. I am now considering selling my home just to move closer to shopping if I can't find a resonable law abiding way to get around. My license is suspended till feb 2011 and I understand I will still have to have a breathalyzer device installed again at my expense but not sure if I will still have to undergo the "treatment" or counseling and reporting sessions involved with the drivers program. I appreciate any ideas or help...great site here!!
You situation is a difficult one. In GA, you would be able to ride a bicycle to the store. Any motorized vehicle should be subject to licensing in your state. We once had a DUI prosecution here on one of those motorized scooters that are in the grocery stores.
It appears that you will have to complete the requirements of your sentence in order to have your license reinstated even if the time of your sentence has run. It may be cheaper to hire a local college student or someone to be your shopping aide for a time until you can reinstate your license. It will certainly be cheaper than a suspended license charge.
I disagree. You should be able to drive any non-motorized vehicle for which a license is not required, including a bicycle, a tricycle, or a peddle cart. That's also as long as these vehicles are otherwise allowed on the road.
Fla. Stat. s. 322.34 makes it illegal to drive a motor vehicle while your license is suspended. A “Motor vehicle” means any self-propelled vehicle, including a motor vehicle combination, not operated upon rails or guideway, excluding vehicles moved solely by human power, motorized wheelchairs, and motorized bicycles as defined in s. 316.003. A motorized bicycle is a regular bicycle with an electronic helper that cannot go faster than 20 mph.
Therefore, you can ride a bike, an electric wheelchair, or a bike with a motor that cannot go faster than 20 mph. If you were to drive a moped or golfcart, you could still be charged with driving while license suspended. However, if once your license has been suspended/revoked for 12 months, you may be eligible for a business purpose only license which could allow you to drive for limited purposes.
