PennDOT Driver Licensing Administrative Hearings

When confronted with certain types of traffic violations, the stakes are high as convictions can lead to severe penalties, fines, points on your driving record, increased insurance rates, and license suspension. At Bauer Scanlon & Wigginton, we understand the intricacies of Pennsylvania traffic laws and represent individuals in PennDOT driver licensing hearings to ensuring your rights are preserved and the impact of violations are minimized or completely eliminated.

PennDOT Driver Licensing Administrative Hearings are held to:

• Appeal the Department’s denial or recall of an Occupational Limited License (OLL)
• Request a record review for the purposes of updating the record; or
• Appeal the Department’s denial, recall or cancellation, of a Probationary License (PL).

You have the right to appeal Department determinations within 30 days of the date of the Department’s notice. See the Department Rules of Administrative Practice and Procedure at 67 Pa. Code Chapter 491

Representation at PennDOT Hearings

We are experienced in representing clients in these hearings, aiding in preparing a solid defense, scrutinizing evidence, and advocating zealously on your behalf. We navigate the complexities of PennDOT regulations to contest violations and work towards reinstating driving privileges or updating your driving record.  Our PennDOT driver licensing hearing attorneys provide detailed consultations to evaluate the merits of your case, offering informed advice on the best course of action. We help you understand your rights, the legal procedures involved, and the potential outcomes of your case.

Case Summaries : PennDOT Administrative Hearings 

Suspension Hearings
In Pennsylvania, a driver facing license suspension due to accumulating too many points on their driving record contested the suspension through a hearing. After receiving a notice from PennDOT detailing the reasons and duration of the suspension, the driver promptly requested a hearing within the 30-day timeframe. During the hearing, the driver presented evidence, including witness testimonies and documents, to challenge the validity of some traffic citations and discrepancies in the recorded points. Additionally, procedural errors made during the citation issuance were highlighted. The hearing officer reviewed the evidence and arguments, ultimately reducing the suspension period and converting it to a probationary period with specific conditions like attending a driver improvement program. This case illustrates the importance of suspension hearings in providing drivers a fair chance to contest penalties and the critical role of presenting a robust defense.

Case Summary: DUI-Related Hearings
A Pennsylvania driver charged with DUI contested the suspension of their license by requesting a hearing. Following an arrest for DUI with a BAC above the legal limit, PennDOT issued a notice of suspension. At the hearing, the driver scrutinized the details of the traffic stop and the BAC test accuracy, identifying procedural errors and rights violations. Mitigating circumstances, such as the driver’s enrollment in an alcohol education program and a clean record for prior DUI offenses, were also presented. The hearing officer considered the evidence and arguments, modifying the suspension to allow a limited license for essential driving. This hearing underscores the crucial role of DUI-related hearings in ensuring drivers can contest administrative penalties and the importance of effectively challenging the evidence.

Case Summary: Medical Recall Hearings
A Pennsylvania driver faced a medical recall hearing after PennDOT received a report suggesting a health condition that could impair driving. The driver requested a hearing to contest the recall. Comprehensive medical reports and testimonies from medical professionals confirmed that the driver’s condition was stable and did not affect their driving ability. Additionally, witness statements attested to the driver’s safe driving behavior. During the hearing, the driver presented the medical evidence and testimonies, emphasizing the condition’s management and the absence of driving incidents. The hearing officer reviewed the evidence and reinstated the driver’s license with periodic medical reviews. This case highlights the balance between public safety and individual rights provided by medical recall hearings and the importance of presenting thorough medical documentation.

Case Summary: Occupational Limited License Hearings
A Pennsylvania driver, whose license was suspended for multiple minor traffic violations, needed to drive for work and applied for an occupational limited license (OLL). After the initial application was denied, the driver requested a hearing. Additional documentation from the employer, including a letter verifying the necessity of driving for the job, was gathered. Evidence of the driver’s work schedule and the impracticality of using public transportation was also presented. During the hearing, the driver demonstrated minimal public safety risk and highlighted a clean driving record before recent violations. The hearing officer granted the OLL, allowing the driver to drive under specific work-related conditions. This case underscores the importance of OLL hearings in maintaining employment for drivers with suspended licenses and the necessity of providing compelling evidence for the need to drive.

Case Summary: Habitual Offender Hearings
A Pennsylvania driver facing a lengthy license suspension due to multiple serious traffic violations requested a habitual offender hearing. After accruing three major violations within five years, the driver received a notice of habitual offender status from PennDOT. In preparation for the hearing, the driver reviewed the driving record and identified defenses against the violations, gathering evidence of mitigating circumstances, such as completing a defensive driving course and engaging in substance abuse rehabilitation. During the hearing, the driver presented evidence demonstrating significant improvements in driving behavior and argued against the habitual offender classification. The hearing officer considered the evidence and decided to modify the designation, reducing the suspension period and allowing for potential reinstatement after further evaluation. This case highlights the role of habitual offender hearings in ensuring appropriate consequences and rehabilitation opportunities, and the importance of effectively challenging severe penalties.

Consult with Us Today

If you are grappling with the repercussions of a traffic violation and require a reliable, experienced law firm to represent you at a PennDOT hearing, Bauer Scanlon & Wigginton is here to assist. Secure your driving future by allowing us to provide the expertise and support needed to navigate your way through

Contact us today at 610-590-5092 to schedule a free consultation, and let us chart the course to a favorable resolution from your PennDOT driver licensing administrative hearing. Our team is ready to provide the comprehensive legal support you deserve, focusing on achieving the most favorable outcome and safeguarding your driving privileges.

Remember, time is of the essence in traffic violation cases, so don’t delay. Reach out to Bauer Scanlon & Wigginton now and take the first step towards regaining control of your driving future.