As anyone who has lost their license can attest, the privilege to drive is something many of us take for granted. All 50 States have a Governmental Department (such as the Department of Revenue or Motor Vehicles) that monitors driving privileges, and has the ability to suspend driving privileges.

In December of 1975, Paul Simon released one of his biggest hits, “50 Ways to Leave you Lover”. It hit number one on the billboard charts in February of the following year. It has been covered many times, in several different languages, including by the Muppets Floyd and Janice.

The covers reached their pinnacle in 1994 (in my opinion) when Glam metal band Trixter, made two versions of this song on their album, Undercovers. Here is a link to the unplugged version: http://new.music.yahoo.com/trixter/tracks/50-ways-to-leave-your-lover-unplugged-version–2545605

Back to the topic at hand. Although every state is different when it comes to driver’s license suspensions, many states have similar regulations. Below I have listed several ways that a person in Colorado may have their driver’s license suspended or revoked. I am going to mention 20 ways under Colorado law, although there are certainly more ways than the twenty listed below.

1. Too many points in a given period of time (point suspension)

2. Drunk Driving Charges

3. Drugs/Controlled Substance violation

4. Child support non-payment

5. An uninsured motorist

6. Financial Responsibility issues

7. Outstanding Judgment or warrant (failing to pay court costs or missing a court appearance)

8. Vehicular Homicide

9. Vehicular Assault

10. Criminally Negligent Homicide (when a vehicle is used)

11. Defacing of property

12. Criminal Mischief on an automobile (Juveniles only)

13. Failing to stop and render aid when injuries or death occurs

14. Habitual Traffic Offender

15. Two DUI/DWAI convictions within 5 years

16. Three Drunk Driving convictions in a lifetime

17. Mental incompetence

18. Three reckless driving convictions in two years

19. First or second degree perjury regarding ownership of a car

20. Driving on a suspended license (this is a consecutive suspension)

If any of the above happen to you, or you lose your license any other way, you will need to reinstate your license before you are eligible to drive again in most states (legally, that is). You will need to check with your local Department of Revenue or Motor Vehicles to determine what is required to regain your driving privileges. Every state will have different rules and requirements.