Frequently, clients who have never had a valid driver’s license will get tickets for Driving While Suspended (DWS). Clients often come to our office confused about how somebody can get this type of ticket without a license to be suspended in the first place. This type of ticket is particularly puzzling for clients who have only recently begun living in the United States.
Most states, including Kansas and Missouri, regulate the driving privileges of its residents through a government agency called the Department of Revenue. This agency keeps records of court convictions of moving violations, which can include tickets for which a person just paid the fine without appearing before a judge. When somebody doesn’t have a driver license number to pair with their name, the Department of Revenue will assign that person a number to keep record of his or her traffic convictions. This is called a “system-generated” number.
If an individual without an actual driver’s license fails to appear in court or is convicted of one or more violations that would usually suspend a normal license, the Department of Revenue will suspend the individual’s system-generated number, just as if it were a real license. Whether the individual with a system-generated number realizes it or not, the next time the individual is stopped, he or she could be arrested for Driving While Suspended (DWS), which can result in further suspension and/or jail time.
Because of system-generated numbers, it is important for individuals with or without licenses to avoid unexpected suspensions by always consulting an attorney experienced with traffic law. If you have been ticketed for “Driving while suspended” in Kansas or Missouri or discover you have a suspension on your driving privileges, our office is an excellent choice for assistance in getting your driver’s license or system-generated number unsuspended. We have years of experience in solving complex driver’s license issues and look forward to helping you with your problem.