The repossession of a vehicle is a distressing event that comes with consequences for an individual’s financial stability. It is a process initiated by lenders when a borrower fails to meet the payment plan outlined in the loan agreement.
While the immediate repercussions involve losing possession of the vehicle, because the car will be repossessed, many people wonder about the long-term consequences, such as the suspension of their driver’s license. So, can your license be suspended for repossession?
No, your driver’s license will not be suspended for a repossession because license suspension is not a direct consequence of a repossession, rather, it involves the lender reclaiming their vehicle due to non-payment.
Can Your License Be Suspended for Repossession?
No, your license cannot be suspended for a repossession because license suspension is not a direct consequence of repossession except if there are legal issues surrounding the repossession such as a breach of contract or other violations that could lead to legal actions and affect your driving privileges.
Vehicle repossession occurs when a borrower fails to meet the agreed-upon terms of a loan or lease. It is a process that allows the lender to reclaim the vehicle due to non-payment or other breaches of the financing agreement. It is not something that can cause you to lose your driver’s license except you did something that warranted the penalties.
For example, if a repo man comes to repossess your car and while trying to stop your car from being repossessed, you speed off and run a red light, pass a stopped school bus offloading or loading school children, or at worst, cause an accident that took a life. You will not only face repossession but your driver’s license may be suspended depending on the gravity of the crime and if it is a repeated offense.
One of the consequences of passing a school bus whether accidentally or not is license suspension. If you violate the school bus laws while trying to avoid repossession, your license may be suspended.
How Repossession Can Cause License Suspension
Below are ways by which car repossession can cause your driver’s license to be suspended:
1. Breach of Contract
If the repossession was a result of a breach of contract, it may lead to something more especially if the borrower violated the terms of the loan agreement, such as failing to make timely payments, the lender may pursue legal action.
In some jurisdictions, a court judgment against the borrower could result in consequences that extend beyond the repossession, affecting their ability to drive legally.
Some jurisdictions have laws that allow the suspension of licenses as a consequence of outstanding debts established through a court judgment. This may include debts related to the deficiency balance after the repossession.
2. Deficiency Balances
After repossession, the lender may sell the repossessed vehicle to recover the outstanding balance on the loan. If the sale does not cover the full amount owed, a deficiency balance remains, and the borrower may be responsible for it.
However, if the lender decided to use legal actions to collect this balance, it could impact various aspects of the borrower’s financial life, leading to consequences such as wage garnishment or the suspension of licenses if the lender fails to oblige.
3. Court Judgments or Court-Ordered Wage Garnishment
If the lender takes legal action to recover outstanding debts from a repossessed car, and a court judgment is issued against the borrower, it could have broader implications.
If the court orders the borrower to repay the debt related to the repossession, wage garnishment may be implemented which involves the automatic deduction of a portion of the individual’s wages to satisfy a debt.
If a borrower fails to comply with a court-ordered wage garnishment, it can lead to additional legal consequences, such as license suspension.
However, if you’re caught trying different car repossession loopholes, it will lead to legal penalties that could cost your driver’s license. So, the best thing to do is to avoid anything that will cause your driver’s license to be suspended.
Conclusion
While car repossession does not automatically lead to the suspension of a driver’s license, the legal consequences associated with defaulting on an auto loan can have a broader impact. It is important for individuals facing financial challenges to be aware of their rights, communicate with their lenders, and explore alternatives to repossession to safeguard their driving privileges and financial well-being. It is much better than acting in a way that will cause your driver’s license to be suspended.
