License suspension for a Reckless Stunt Driving conviction

A conviction for Reckless Stunt Driving will trigger an automatic suspension of your driver's license, even if it is your first offense.

After your first conviction in five (5) years, the Department of Driver Services (DDS) will suspend your license. This suspension will last for twelve (12) months. However, you may apply for early reinstatement of your license after 120 days. For early reinstatement, you must pay a restoration fee of $210 (if paid in person) or $200 (if paid by mail).

After your second conviction in five (5) years, DDS will suspend your license for three (3) years. You may apply for early reinstatement after 18 months from the date of your conviction. For early reinstatement, you must pay a restoration fee of $310 (if paid in person) or $300 (if paid by mail).

After a third or subsequent conviction in five (5) years, DDS will deem you a Habitual Violator and revoke your driver's license. In general, revocations last for five (5) years. Georgia law does allow you to apply for a probationary license. Not everyone is eligible for a probationary license, and applying for one can be confusing. Read my blog post here to learn more about Habitual Violator status and Hardship Licenses.

Note that a plea of "no contest" (nolo contendere) will count as a conviction for determining the number of prior offenses. Say, for example, you have a nolo plea from 3 years ago and you plead guilty to a second offense today. In that instance, you will be treated as though this is your second offense for license suspension purposes.

Furthermore, DDS calculates the five-year "lookback" period based on arrest dates, not conviction dates.

It is a misdemeanor to drive on a suspended license. If DDS has suspended your license after a conviction for Reckless Stunt Driving and you are caught driving, you face serious consequences. The Reckless Stunt Driving law requires a fine of at least $750 and up to $5,000. You could also go to jail for up to 12 months. This is higher than the base fine for a normal Driving on a Suspended License charge. Read more about that offense here. 

Vehicle Forfeiture After Third Conviction

You face license revocation, steep fines, and jail time if you are convicted of Reckless Stunt Driving for the third time within five (five) years. In addition to these severe penalties, the State will also take your vehicle. This is called "forfeiture." 

There are a few exceptions to the forfeiture rule. For example, suppose the vehicle that the State attempts to seize is the only family vehicle. In that case, the court may order that the vehicle's title be transferred to another family member. That family member must be a licensed driver who requires the vehicle for "employment or family transportation purposes."

This title transfer is only possible if forfeiting the vehicle would cause financial hardship to the family that "outweighs the benefit to the state" from the forfeiture. Courts will only grant a title transfer one time.