Avoid losing driving privileges Published Aug. 24, 2006 POPE AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. -- Did you notice that Air Force individual riding his bike to work this morning? Was he doing it to prepare for the new physical fitness test, or were his driving privileges revoked? We may never know but one thing is for sure, having your base driving privileges revoked can be inconvenient. There are other circumstances that can cause driving privileges to be revoked besides driving while intoxicated. Some items carry a revocation period of up to two years. Driving while intoxicated/impaired Having a blood alcohol content of .05 percent or higher will result in driving privileges being revoked for one year. Refusing to take the breath test also carries an automatic revocation period of one year. Use the designated driver system or call Airmen Against Drunk Driving for a ride. Driving while license suspended This offense is the most common reason for revocation next to DWI. Most of the time, the subject never even knew the license was suspended. What can be done? Check with your Department of Motor Vehicles to ensure you do not have unpaid fines or failed to show up for a court date. This offense carries an automatic revocation of two years, so it is worth your time to do some checking before it's too late. Expired driver's license Some states allow extensions, and those extension lengths vary. There is not enough room to cover each state's policy here, but states with mail renewal that do not have extensions are: Connecticut, Delaware, Washington D.C., Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Kansas, Kentucky, Missouri, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Carolina and Wyoming. Of the states offering extensions, many have requirements that must be met before the extension is granted. Check with your DMV to find out exactly what needs to be done to legally extend your license. This offense carries a revocation period of one year. No financial responsibility (no insurance) Take a look at your insurance card in your car. Expired? Contact your insurance agency to get a current printout and keep it in your vehicle at all times. Security Forces can also find out about expired insurance through the National Law Enforcement Terminal System when they run a license plate. Some states will have a red flag stating insurance is expired. Check with your insurance agency and your DMV to ensure your information is up-to-date and correct. This offense carries a revocation period of one year. Hit and run If you leave the scene of an accident, no matter how minor, without contacting the other person or 43rd SFS, you can be charged with hit and run. This offense carries a revocation period of one year. Reckless driving Reckless driving is speeding in excess of 25 mph. over the speed limit or driving carelessly. This offense carries a revocation period of one year. Additionally, if you are charged off-base for reckless driving, your installation driving privileges can be suspended. Offenders can receive a seven day suspension for exceeding the speed limit in housing, the school-zone, anywhere on Armistead Street from the Armistead gate to the Shoppette, or for exceeding the speed limit by 20 mph. anywhere on base. It is at the police officer's discretion to issue a citation if pulled over anywhere else on base. There is a no-tolerance policy in place for the locations mentioned. Also, if you are found speeding in these areas a second time, you can receive a 30 day suspension and a minimum of 180 days for any subsequent offenses. If your driving privileges are under suspension/revocation, and you drive, your revocation will be extended for an additional two years. All of these circumstances can be prevented by obeying the speed limit, checking your records and following the laws. Remember, driving is a privilege, not a right. (Courtesy of the 43rd Security Forces Squadron)