A surchargeable event in Massachusetts is classified as motor vehicle law violation convictions or “at-fault” accidents. Three surchargeable events:
If you obtain three surchargble events, including out of state violations in a two-year period, you will be sent a suspension notice in the mail from the Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) indicating a pending suspension should you fail to take appropriate action.
Within a ten-day period of receiving the notice, the RMV will also send you a packet of information for a National Safety Council course. You have 90 days from the date of the issued suspension notice to complete the relevant NSC course before the suspension will go into effect.
The National Safety Council notifies the Registry of Motor Vehicles if you completed or failed to complete the course prior to the suspension date.
If you complete the course before the listed suspension date, the RMV will not take additional action, nor will they suspend or revoke your license to operate a motor vehicle.
If you fail to complete the course before the listed suspension date, the RMV will suspend or revoke your license to operate a motor vehicle until you complete the course.
If you obtain another surchargeable event on your record and two previous violations fall within a three-year time period, you will be issued another three surchargeable events suspension or revocation. The National Safety Council course or Massachusetts Driver Retraining Program is required to be completed each time this suspension or revocation is issued.
Seven surchargeable events:
If you obtain seven surchargeable events or moving violations, including out of state violations, in a three-year period you will be issued a suspension notice for seven surchargeable events. Your right to operate will be suspended for 60 days. The suspension will go into effect 30 days from the date the suspension notice was issued.
If another surchargeable event is added to your record and six of the previous violations occurred within a three-year time period, you may receive another seven surcharageable events suspension.
The Registry of Motor Vehicles will not issue a hardship license during the suspension period. The Division of Insurance Board of Appeals, will consider granting you a hardship license during the 60-day suspension period. A hardship license allows you to operate your motor vehicle for a 12-hour period (i.e. 7 A.M. to 7 P.M.).
If you have received a suspension notice for seven surchargable events, please reach out to see if you are eligible for any relief. Our office can file an appeal on your behalf to get you back on the road.
