How to Fix a Suspended License (Without Making It Worse)

By: John Guidry

In case you haven’t noticed, I have been defending Driving While License Suspended charges since 1993. But for a moment, let’s forget about criminal charges and focus on Prevention. The best way to fix a suspended license is to know why it is suspended before you start throwing money at the problem.

Step 1: Go to the DMV website and run a DL Check. Step 2: Get a full printout of your Driving Record. Step 3: Read the guide below.

Is your license suspended for reasons you don’t understand?

Don’t pay blindly. Call John today at (407) 423-1117.

The Common Causes (and The Fixes)

1. Unpaid Toll Violations (“The Silent Killer”)

These violations rack up fast, often without any knowledge. There is no cop pulling you over to sign a ticket; it’s just fines arriving in the mail.

• The Problem: You thought your SunPass worked. It didn’t. Now you owe thousands.
• The Fix: The Clerk of Court can sometimes offer a payment plan to lift the suspension. If not, you may need to write a letter to the Judge requesting a payment plan.
• Note: I handle criminal cases, but I do NOT handle toll violations. You may need a traffic ticket attorney if the Clerk won’t help.

2. Unpaid Traffic Tickets (The “Point Trap”)

Many people think, “I’ll just pay these three old speeding tickets, and my license will be clear.” STOP.

• The Danger: Unpaid tickets don’t count as “points” until you pay them. If you pay three old tickets at once, you might suddenly accumulate 12 points, triggering a Point Suspension.
• The HTO Trap: Even worse, paying old “Driving While Suspended” citations can trigger a 5-Year Habitual Traffic Offender (HTO) revocation.
• The Rule: NEVER pay an old ticket without analyzing your record first.

3. Child Support Suspensions (The “Catch-22”)

• The Problem: You need to work to pay child support, but you can’t work without a license.
• The Fix: Request that the Judge temporarily lift the suspension in exchange for a “good faith” payment.
• Note: I do NOT handle child support cases. You need a Family Law attorney for this.

4. Unpaid Court Costs on Old Criminal Cases

Remember that Open Container charge from 10 years ago? The Clerk says you still owe $45, and they suspended your license.

• The Fix: Just pay it. The DMV will want a reinstatement fee, and you’re done.
• The “High Balance” Problem: If you owe $50,000 on an old Trafficking case, you can’t just “pay it.” We can file a Motion to Lift Suspension, asking the Judge to put you on a payment plan you can actually afford.

5. Financial Responsibility (Accident Judgments)

This is a long game played by debt collectors. An insurance company sues you for an accident, gets a judgment, and suspends your license until you pay.

• The Fix: You need a lawyer to negotiate a reduction or, in extreme cases, file Bankruptcy to wipe out the debt.

John’s 2026 Update: “Operation Green Light” & The HTO Trap

Note: In 1993, you had to stand in line. In 2026, you check online, but the traps are still there.

1. “Operation Green Light” (The Best Time to Fix It) In 2026, most Florida Clerks of Court participate in an annual event called Operation Green Light.

• The Deal: For one week a year (usually in the Spring), Clerks waive the 30-40% Collection Agency Surcharges.
• The Strategy: If you owe thousands in old fines, wait for this event. You can get on a payment plan and get your license reinstated immediately, often saving massive amounts of money.

2. The Digital DL Check You no longer have to guess.

• The Tool: Use the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) Driver License Check tool online. It will tell you exactly which county holds the suspension (D6 Suspension) so you know who to call.

3. The HTO Trap is Still Real Despite reforms, the Habitual Traffic Offender law is still the #1 way people accidentally ruin their lives.

• The Warning: If you have 3 “major” strikes (DWLS, DUI) in 5 years, you lose your license for 5 Years. Paying an old ticket counts as a conviction.
• The Advice: Before you pay anything on an old ticket, let me review your driving record. I can tell you if paying that $200 ticket will cost you your license for 5 years.

Prevention is Cheaper than Defense

Trying to clear up a driving record can be tough. Don’t dig yourself into a deeper hole by paying fines that trigger new suspensions.

Call me at (407) 423-1117. Let’s analyze your Driving Record.

About John Guidry II

John Guidry II is a seasoned criminal defense attorney and founder of the Law Firm of John P. Guidry II, P.A., located in downtown Orlando next to the Orange County Courthouse, where he has practiced for over 30 years. With more than three decades of experience defending clients throughout Central Florida since 1993, Guidry has successfully defended thousands of cases in Orange, Seminole, Osceola, Brevard, Lake, and Volusia counties. He has built a reputation for his strategic approach to criminal defense, focusing on pretrial motions and case dismissals rather than jury trials.

Guidry earned both his Juris Doctorate and Master of Business Administration from St. Louis University in 1993. He is a member of the Florida Bar and the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. His practice encompasses the full spectrum of Florida state criminal charges, with a particular emphasis on achieving favorable outcomes through thorough pretrial preparation and motion practice.

Beyond the courtroom, Guidry is a prolific legal educator who has authored over 400 articles on criminal defense topics. He shares his legal expertise through his popular YouTube channel, Instagram, and TikTok accounts, where he has built a substantial following of people eager to learn about the law. His educational content breaks down complex legal concepts into accessible information for the general public.

When not practicing law, Guidry enjoys tennis and pickleball, and loves to travel. Drawing from his background as a former recording studio owner and music video producer in the Orlando area, he brings a creative perspective to his legal practice and continues to apply his passion for video production to his educational content.