Driving on a Suspended or Revoked License in West Virginia

In West Virginia, your driver's license can be suspended or revoked for a variety of reasons. And, if you're caught driving during a suspension or revocation period, you'll likely face criminal charges, fines, and possible jail time.

Reasons for Suspension or Revocation

Your license can be suspended or revoked for certain driving offenses, criminal convictions, and a number of other reasons. Some of the more common situations that lead to the loss of driving privileges include:

• being convicted of driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
• being convicted of vehicular homicide
• having been convicted frequently enough of serious traffic offenses that the state believes you disrespect traffic laws and disregard the safety of others
• being habitually negligent or reckless when you drive
• being under age 17 and dropping out of school
• failing to pay child support
• committing a felony using a motor vehicle
• failing to stop if you are involved in an accident in which someone is killed or injured, and
• racking up three reckless driving convictions within two years.

(W. Va. Code §§ 17B-3-5, 17B-3-6 (2026).)

However, these are just some of the reasons your license can be suspended or revoked—there are quite a few others.

Reinstating Your License

The lengths of suspension and revocation periods vary depending on the circumstances. But once the suspension or revocation is complete, you'll typically need to pay a reinstatement fee of $50. You also might need to pay other fees and costs and meet other conditions before you can lawfully drive again. (W. Va. Code § 17B-3-9 (2026).)

Criminal Charges for Driving on a Suspended or Revoked License

Driving on a suspended or revoked license is normally a misdemeanor. A conviction carries:

• $100 to $500 in fines for a first or second offense, and
• $150 to $500 in fines and 30 to 90 days in jail for a third or subsequent offense.

(W. Va. Code § 17B-4-3 (2026).)

However, the penalties are more serious if the suspension or revocation was related to a DUI or refusing to submit to alcohol testing in violation of the state's implied consent laws. In these circumstances, a conviction carries:

• $100 to $500 in fines and 30 days to six months in jail for a first offense
• $1,000 to $3,000 in fines and six months to a year in jail for a second offense, and
• $3,000 to $5,000 in fines and one to three years in prison for a third or subsequent offense (the third or subsequent offense is a felony).

Depending on the circumstances, a driver who's convicted of operating a vehicle on a suspended or revoked license generally faces an additional suspension or revocation period. (W. Va. Code § 17B-4-3 (2026).)

Legal Help for Charges of Driving on a Suspended or Revoked License

Driving on a suspended or revoked license is a criminal offense and carries serious consequences. So, if you're arrested for one of these violations, it's a good idea to get in contact with an experienced defense attorney as soon as possible.