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HomeVehicle CodeDiv. 7Ch. 1Art. 4§ 16070 Driver License Suspension Rules

§ 16070 Driver License Suspension Rules

Vehicle Code·California
AI Summary·Official Text·Key Terms·Related Statutes·References
AI SummaryVerified

§ 16070 Driver License Suspension Rules

This law says that if you're in a car accident and don't show proof of insurance, your driver's license can be suspended.

Key Takeaways

  • •If you're in a crash, you must show proof of insurance right away.
  • •If you don't, the DMV will mail you a warning letter.
  • •You have 30 days to prove you had insurance, or your license gets suspended.
  • •You can ask for a hearing to fight the suspension.

Example

You get into a car crash and can't show your insurance card to the police.

The DMV will send you a letter saying they'll suspend your license in 30 days unless you prove you had insurance at the time of the crash.

AI-generated — May contain errors. Not legal advice. Always verify source.

Official Source
View on CA.gov

§ 16070 Driver License Suspension Rules

(a) Whenever a driver involved in an accident described in Section 16000 fails to provide evidence of financial responsibility, as required by Section 16020, at the time of the accident, the department shall, pursuant to subdivision (b), suspend the privilege of the driver or owner to drive a motor vehicle, including the driving privilege of a nonresident in this state. (b) Whenever the department receives an accident report pursuant to this article that alleges that any of the drivers involved in the accident was not in compliance with Section 16020 at the time of the accident, the department shall immediately mail to that driver a notice of intent to suspend the driving privilege of that driver. The department shall suspend the driving privilege 30 days after mailing the notice, unless the driver has, prior to that date, established evidence of financial responsibility at the time of the accident, as specified in Section 16021, with the department. The suspension notice shall notify the driver of the action taken and the right to a hearing under Section 16075. (Amended by Stats. 2001, Ch. 739, Sec. 18. Effective January 1, 2002.)

Last verified: January 9, 2026

Key Terms

evidence of financial responsibilitysuspend the privilegenotice of intent to suspenddriving privilege

Related Statutes

  • § 12819 Driver License Reexamination Suspension
  • § 12950 License Signature Requirement
  • § 12950.5 Driver License Voter Signatures
  • § 12951 Driver License Possession Requirement
  • § 12952 Driver License Display Requirement

References

  • Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
  • California Legislature. Vehicle Code. Section 16070.
View Official Source