Convictions And Suspension
G.L. c. 90, § 22F — three major convictions or twelve reportable ones in five years, and a four year revocation
Three major convictions. A person is a habitual traffic offender with three or more convictions within a five-year period, singly or in combination, of operating under the influence, operating recklessly or negligently so as to endanger the public, a false statement in a license or registration application, leaving the scene after causing injury or damage, operating after suspension or revocation, operating without a license, or a felony in which a motor vehicle is used.
Or twelve. Twelve or more convictions within the same period of offenses reported to the registrar, for which a suspension or revocation of thirty days or more is authorized, also make a person a habitual traffic offender, counting the offenses above.
A single episode. For a person with no prior record of an automobile law violation, several convictions for offenses all within a six-hour period count as one.
A hearing first. The registrar holds a hearing within six months from the third conviction, with notice sent not less than twenty-one days before it, listing the convictions. A person who denies a conviction may have the question referred to the court that entered it.
Four years. On a finding, the registrar revokes the license immediately and does not issue a new one for four years from the date of revocation, and not until the person completes an approved driver improvement course and passes any required examination.
Hardship. After one year, the person may have a hearing on a limited license on the sole ground of hardship, which the registrar may grant in discretion. An order under the section may be appealed to the superior court.
Insurance surcharges and other suspensions are set elsewhere and are not on this page. A particular driving record is a question for the registry of motor vehicles, or a licensed Massachusetts attorney.
Sources for this section (1)
- G.L. c. 90, § 22F — Habitual traffic offender; revocation of license; reinstatement
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of September 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed Massachusetts attorney.