Unpaid Court Costs And Fines Can Result In Suspended Driver’s License: Here’s What You Can Do About It
How You Get Court Debt
- Court debt is a combination of fines for civil or criminal violations and court costs.
- Each court determines its own costs, ranging from witness fees to administrative costs.
- While part of a fine may be suspended, courts do not suspend court costs and fees.
- You acquire the debt on the day of trial when a fine and court costs are imposed.
On the Day of a Trial
- Don’t skip out on court: even if you’re not required to be present, if you’re there, you can defend your case and possibly get the fine reduced.
- Once a fine and costs have been imposed, talk to the clerk. If you cannot pay the entire debt that day, ask the clerk for a payment plan.
- You may not have to prove your income or inability to pay. Many courts will work with you to manage payment, regardless of your income.
Before Default
- If you have trouble getting the money to repay your debt, call the court before the due date to see if you can work out a payment plan.
- Call as soon as you are aware you may have a problem. The court may require a down payment be made prior to the due date.
- Avoid default if at all possible. Failure to pay court debt will only incur more costs.
After Default
- The court will automatically suspend your privilege to drive in Virginia, and send notice to the DMV. The court will not send you notice when it suspends your license.
- If you are pulled over while driving on a suspended license in Virginia, you may face jail time and additional court debt. Do not drive while your license is suspended.
- If the court agrees to a payment plan and you pay a reinstatement fee to the DMV, you can get your license back. The reinstatement fees are available from DMV.
- You may be able to get the court to agree to issue a restricted license to allow you to drive while repaying your debt after default, without paying the reinstatement fee.
Contact us today for a free phone consultation if you have a suspended license.

Leila B. Higgins-Fleishman, Esq.
Tucker Griffin Barnes P.C.
307 West Rio Road Charlottesville, VA 22901
434-973-7474