When used in reference to a driver’s license, “cancellation” means that a driver’s license certificate is terminated without prejudice and must be surrendered. Any person whose license has been canceled may immediately apply for a license. Cancellation of license may be made only when specifically authorized in this code, when application is made for a license to operate vehicles of a higher class, or when a license has been issued through error or voluntarily surrendered to the department.
Suspension Or Revocation of LicensesGeneral Provisions
Section § 13100
This law explains what 'cancellation' of a driver's license means. When your license is canceled, it is ended without any blame on your part, and you need to give it back. If your license gets canceled, you can apply for a new one right away. Licenses can only be canceled under certain situations: if the law allows it, if you apply for a license for more advanced vehicles, if the license was granted by mistake, or if you give it back voluntarily.
driver's license cancellation terminated without prejudice surrender driver's license
Section § 13101
Revocation of a driver's license means the person can no longer drive, but they may apply for a new license after the revocation period ends.
When used in reference to a driver’s license, “revocation” means that the person’s privilege to drive a motor vehicle is terminated and a new driver’s license may be obtained after the period of revocation.
driver's license revocation driving privilege termination license reinstatement
Section § 13102
If your driver's license is 'suspended,' it means you temporarily can't drive. Before your suspension ends, the department might make you take a test to ensure a health condition doesn't make driving unsafe.
When used in reference to a driver’s license, “suspension” means that the person’s privilege to drive a motor vehicle is temporarily withdrawn. The department may, before terminating any suspension based upon a physical or mental condition of the licensee, require such examination of the licensee as deemed appropriate in relation to evidence of any condition which may affect the ability of the licensee to safely operate a motor vehicle.
driver's license suspension temporary withdrawal driving privilege
Section § 13103
This section explains that in California, a conviction under vehicle law includes not only a guilty verdict or plea, but also a no contest plea, a bail forfeiture, or a specific finding as per another section. This applies to most vehicle offenses except illegal parking.
For purposes of this division, a plea of nolo contendere or a plea of guilty or judgment of guilty, whether probation is granted or not, a forfeiture of bail, or a finding reported under Section 1816, constitutes a conviction of any offense prescribed by this code, other than offenses relating to the unlawful parking of vehicles.
nolo contendere guilty plea bail forfeiture
Section § 13105
This law explains that when terms like "convicted" or "conviction" are used in this chapter, they include the findings from juvenile courts. Specifically, if a juvenile judge, hearing officer, or referee determines a juvenile has committed an offense, it is considered a conviction. Additionally, the word "court" encompasses juvenile courts unless stated otherwise.
For the purposes of this chapter, “convicted” or “conviction” includes a finding by a judge of a juvenile court, a juvenile hearing officer, or referee of a juvenile court that a person has committed an offense, and “court” includes a juvenile court except as otherwise specifically provided.
juvenile conviction juvenile court juvenile judge
Section § 13106
If your privilege to drive is suspended or revoked, you'll be notified by mail unless you've already been informed directly by the department, a court, or an officer. When they send this notice to the address they have on file for you, it's assumed you know about the suspension unless the mail comes back undeliverable. It's your responsibility to keep your address updated with the department.
The department can also use other ways to find your current address to notify you about the suspension, like working with other state agencies that might have more recent information.
(a)CA Vehicle Code § 13106(a) When the privilege of a person to operate a motor vehicle is suspended or revoked, the department shall notify the person by first-class mail of the action taken and of the effective date of that suspension or revocation, except for those persons personally given notice by the department, a court, a peace officer pursuant to Section 13388 or 13382, or otherwise pursuant to this code. It shall be a rebuttable presumption, affecting the burden of proof, that a person has knowledge of the suspension or revocation if notice has been sent by first-class mail by the department pursuant to this section to the most recent address reported to the department pursuant to Section 12800 or 14600, or any more recent address on file if reported by the person, a court, or a law enforcement agency, or
to the most recent electronic delivery address provided in accordance with Section 1801.2, and the notice has not been returned to the department as undeliverable or unclaimed. It is the responsibility of a holder of a driver’s license to report changes of address to the department pursuant to Section 14600.
(b)CA Vehicle Code § 13106(b) The department may utilize alternative methods for determining the whereabouts of a driver whose driving privilege has been suspended or revoked pursuant to this code for the purpose of providing the driver with notice of suspension or revocation. Alternative methods may include, but are not limited to, cooperating with other state agencies that maintain more current address information than the department’s driver’s license files.
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