Can the DMV override a court decision?

I just found out that my license got suspended by the DMV even though the court cleared me of blame for an accident earlier this year. I passed the written and driving tests but never got contacted afterward. I’ve sent documents to the DMV multiple times, but no response. My insurance is now at risk of being canceled because of this. Can the DMV really ignore a court ruling like this? What should I do next?

That sounds super frustrating. Have you tried visiting the DMV in person? Sometimes showing up gets better results than sending docs.

Hayes said:
That sounds super frustrating. Have you tried visiting the DMV in person? Sometimes showing up gets better results than sending docs.

I haven’t yet, but it seems like I’ll have to. Do they actually let you talk to someone who can help?

@nellysmith
Yeah, but ask for a supervisor or someone in charge of reinstatements. The front desk folks usually can’t do much.

The DMV and courts are separate, so sometimes the DMV doesn’t update their records right away. It’s so annoying.

Spencer said:
The DMV and courts are separate, so sometimes the DMV doesn’t update their records right away. It’s so annoying.

Ugh, I figured as much. Do you know if they can just ignore a court’s decision?

@nellysmith
They shouldn’t, but if they didn’t process it, they might not even know about it. Could be a paperwork issue.

You should definitely let your insurance know you’re working on this. Some companies will give you extra time if they see you’re trying.

Kiran said:
You should definitely let your insurance know you’re working on this. Some companies will give you extra time if they see you’re trying.

Oh, good point. I didn’t think about that. Do they usually help in situations like this?

@nellysmith
Depends on the company, but it’s worth asking. They might at least delay canceling your policy while you deal with the DMV.

Have you thought about getting a traffic attorney? They can sometimes push the DMV to fix things faster.

Jesse said:
Have you thought about getting a traffic attorney? They can sometimes push the DMV to fix things faster.

I’m thinking about it. Do they handle stuff like this often?

nellysmith said:

Jesse said:
Have you thought about getting a traffic attorney? They can sometimes push the DMV to fix things faster.

I’m thinking about it. Do they handle stuff like this often?

Yeah, especially traffic lawyers. They deal with the DMV all the time and know who to contact.

You mentioned sending docs to the DMV—did you keep copies? Might be worth bringing those to a DMV office or a lawyer.

Vero said:
You mentioned sending docs to the DMV—did you keep copies? Might be worth bringing those to a DMV office or a lawyer.

Yep, I’ve got everything. Just don’t know why they’re not responding. So annoying.

@nellysmith
At least you’re prepared. Bring all of that with you, and don’t leave until you get some answers.