Know how to protect your driver’s license

Driving is a privilege, not a right, according to the California Department of Motor Vehicles, and the state will pull your driver’s license if certain financial affairs aren’t in order.

The California Vehicle Code book states that the DMV must suspend someone’s driving privileges if they’ve failed to pay child support. The section of the vehicle code was enacted in 1992.

The Department of Social Services provides a certified list of individuals who are delinquent with their child support payments to the DMV. Social Services will also notify the individuals who are delinquent with their payments that their driving privileges will be suspended in 150 days unless evidence is provided that arrangements for payment have been made.

Evidence in such a matter comes from the county district attorney’s office that is handling the child support case, according to Steven Haskins, a DMV spokesperson.

“This law also applies to any state agency, board, etc. that issues a professional license, such as barbers, attorneys, real estate agents,” Haskins said. “So an attorney who hasn’t paid child support would not only have his or her attorney license suspended but also their driver’s license.” The state vehicle code also states that a minor who is deemed a “habitual truant” can have his license suspended (or the issuance delayed) for one year.

Law enforcement has the authority to physically take a license when a person’s blood alcohol content is .08 percent or more or if the person has refused to take a chemical test when stopped by law enforcement, according to Haskins. “There may be some law that allows law enforcement to take a license when they determine it is being used fraudulently, but there’s nothing in the vehicle code about that.” —Michael Picarella