Many states, including Massachusetts, use the Registry of Motor Vehicles as a “collection agency.” For example, the Mass. RMV will suspend your license for unpaid traffic citations, unpaid child support, bad checks submitted to the Registry, delinquent state taxes, and outstanding property damage accident claims.
In Massachusetts, there is absolutely no way to get any type of hardship, work, or conditional license if the Registry has taken your license for any of the above-listed financial reasons. Neither the Registry nor the Board of Appeal will entertain any type of hardship license request if your right to drive is suspended for any of those reasons.
Also, in Massachusetts, the Registry serves as a “collection agency” for insurance companies. Specifically, because automobile liability insurance is compulsory in Massachusetts, the Registry will automatically revoke the registration plates of any vehicle which is uninsured. This means that not paying your car insurance bill will trigger the revocation of your car’s registration. Similarly, the suspension of your license may cause your insurance company to cancel your insurance policy.
In some states, other than Massachusetts, it may be possible to get hardship relief on a financial suspension. It seems ironic that a person can be considered for a hardship license on a DUI 4th offense or habitual traffic offender revocation in Massachusetts. However, anyone who owes state taxes or child support cannot get any type of license unless and until the financial obligations are paid.
Outstanding parking tickets and/or unpaid excise tax will not result in the suspension of your driver’s license In Massachusetts. However, these outstanding items will cause your license and/or motor vehicle registration to be non-renewable. This means that you must get releases and address these outstanding items prior to renewing or reinstating your Massachusetts Driver’s License.