Immediate Threat License Suspensions in Massachusetts

Name: Immediate Threat License Suspension
Brand: Gilman Law
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License suspension in Massachusetts happens frequently. A simple traffic stop could result in the immediate suspension of your driver’s license, for months or years.

Cop car with sirens on behind another car

Navigating Immediate Revocation Challenges

Law enforcement has the option to request the Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) to revoke your driving privileges for an indefinite period of time. Police departments throughout Massachusetts are very familiar with this option, even though they are little-known to the public. An immediate license revocation often has a devastating impact on the driver and the family.

What is an Immediate Threat Suspension?

The action of suspending a license suddenly, without warning, is an "Immediate Threat Suspension." These suspensions are governed by G.L. c. 90 22(a) and (b). The team at Gilman Law. P.C. has helped thousands of clients who have been suspended as “immediate threats'' to get back legally behind the wheel. As a former RMV Hearing Officer, Massachusetts suspended license attorney Matthew Gilman and his team are thoroughly familiar with how to manage these shocking license suspensions.

Immediate threat suspensions – how do they work?

Massachusetts law enforcement officers as well as Medical Providers can recommend an Immediate Threat Suspension if they believe that if a driver were to continue to operate a vehicle, it will pose a danger to public safety. This may occur following an accident, reckless driving behavior, a traffic violation, or if a driver simply happens to be in the wrong place at the wrong time, catching a police officer who is having a very bad day. If a police officer feels an Immediate Threat Suspension is warranted, the officer fills out a short form, which is then sent to the Driver Control Unit of the Registry of Motor Vehicles.

How long is an immediate threat license suspension?

Immediate threat suspensions impose an indefinite suspension of your right to operate a motor vehicle in Massachusetts. You will be given no specific date when you could hope to have your legal right to drive reinstated.

These license suspensions are initiated by a police officer or medical professional sending a request to the Registry of Motor Vehicles. The RMV most often simply rubber stamps a recommendation by the police officer, with it going into effect even before a driver has the opportunity to challenge the suspension or tell his or her side of the story. The suspension has no end date.

Catch a police officer on a bad day and you could face an Immediate Threat Suspension after a speeding violation, even when no other vehicle operators were at risk, and may have been traveling at essentially the same speed.

If the officer also charges you with criminal charges, the Registry of Motor Vehicles will not provide you any guidance until at a minimum the case is resolved.

Blurry view from a cop car with lights on

Does the Registry ever deny a suspension request?

The Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) generally also comply with the request by immediately suspending your driving privileges. An immediate threat license suspension goes into effect at once; you will not have the ability to contest the suspension or tell your side of what occurred. You will be considered an “immediate threat” long before any RMV Hearing Officer actually meets you. It is shocking to receive a notification of license suspension in MA by regular mail, or hand delivered by an officer who knocks on your door.

Notification of Immediate Threat Suspension

In some cases, the RMV may provide a little flexibility and notify a driver before the start of the suspension. Remember, whether you are immediately suspended or given 10 days of advance notice, your right to operate a motor vehicle in Massachusetts will be suspended for an indefinite period. Plus, if the incident which gave rise to the initial police determination also involves any criminal charges, the RMV may not consider your reinstatement appeal until the criminal matter is resolved (such as OUI charges).

These delays can often take many months to resolve, during which time your license will remain suspended. It is critical to have an attorney who can handle both the criminal charges and the license suspension issues with total confidence and professionalism. In addition to having to resolve any criminal charges, and meet the conditions for RMV restatement, you will face a mandatory $500 reinstatement fee. If you are facing loss of driving privileges in Massachusetts, don't hesitate to contact us today.

Protecting the public or abuse?

While these suspensions are meant to protect the public from serious and imminent dangers, Matthew Gilman has seen increasing abuse of Immediate Threat Suspensions. With even a minor traffic violation, you may face the attempt to suspend your driving privileges. If you or someone you love is facing this type of license suspension, take action right away to protect your rights and retain your license. Matt Gilman has handled hundreds of Immediate Threat Suspensions and has assisted his clients in recovering the legal right to drive, efficiently and effectively. Call Gilman Law today or contact us online for a free case consultation.

Get your license back after an Immediate Threat Suspension —we are here to help.

Many Massachusetts drivers are unclear about their rights. Hardship licenses are not available to those who have been subjected to an Immediate Threat Suspension. These are public safety suspensions with no specific end date. A regular driver, faced with this problem, can find the process of having a license reinstated to be close to impossible.

Getting back on the road can be achieved with the help of our team at Gilman Law. We have helped clients throughout the Commonwealth deal with damaging suspensions and to be able to drive again. We understand the system from the inside out. Due to Attorney Gilman's long experience as an RMV Hearing Officer, we have the insight and experience to assist clients restore the legal right to drive. We offer practical advice and a clear plan of action. Call Gilman Law, P.C., today at or contact us online for a free consultation.

From his Lunenburg office, Attorney Matthew Gilman represents clients all over the state of Massachusetts. If you need help with a suspended driver's license in Massachusetts, fill out the form on this page or call the office today to connect with us and schedule a free consultation.

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