How many Americans have suspended licenses?

Asked by: Bradly Buckridge  |  Last update: November 23, 2025
Score: 4.1/5 (70 votes)

Although no national estimates exist, the limited state-level estimates that exist suggest that 5% to 17% of all licensed drivers have a suspended license at any given time, of which up to 80% are for a non-driving-related offense.

How many people have had their license suspended?

Nationally, an estimated 11 million people have a suspended driver's license simply because they can't afford to pay off criminal legal system fines and fees—like court debt.

What percentage of Americans don't have a license?

About 9% of adult Americans don't have a valid driver's license but it's a guess how many of that group actually drive without a license. The age groups with the highest percentage without a driver's license are 19 years old and under (60.5%), 85 and older (30.9%) and 20 to 24 (19.0%).

What percent of Gen Z has a driver's license?

Gen Z makes up a smaller portion of licensed drivers

Data from 2022 (the most recent year available) shows that younger members of Generation Z (those aged 24 and below) make up about 12.4% of all licensed drivers. The smallest age group of drivers are people aged 80 and older, who make up 3.7% of drivers.

Why is 1995 not Gen Z?

As you may think, defining the two generations is based entirely on dates—in this case, years. A Millennial is anyone born between 1980 and 1995. In the U.S., there are roughly 80 million Millennials. A member of Gen Z is anyone born between 1996 and the early-mid 2000s (end date can vary depending on source).

The Defenders: Licenses suspended for unpaid traffic tickets

23 related questions found

What percentage of adults don't drive?

Still, 10% of U.S. adults are nondrivers – that is, they say they seldom or never drive a car or other vehicle – according to a new Pew Research Center survey. This includes 6% who say they don't drive at all.

Why does Gen Z not drink alcohol?

Another reason Gen Zers avoid alcohol is they perceive it as unhealthy—and other options are more appealing, such as cannabis, where use is frequent at home and away from home, she said. “This is the first generation to come into legal drinking age with cannabis as an option, now in 24 states,” she said.

Why is Gen Z struggling?

Gen Z has a completely different set of values compared to other generations. They prioritize inclusivity, flexibility and purpose-driven work, which can sometimes clash with traditional workplace values like hierarchy and stability. Conflict arises when these differing values impact productivity.

Why don't kids want to drive anymore?

The cost of lessons, teen driver insurance rates, and historically high prices for used cars. Another factor is the new online generation. “I don't know if they crave that face-to-face interaction anymore, like they need to go see each other to connect,” said Mary Jane Youngerman.

Can you live in the U.S. without a driver's license?

If you plan to live in the U.S. long term or permanently, you most likely need to get a driver's license issued by your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Having a valid U.S. driver's license allows you to drive anywhere in the country.

What percentage of Americans own a car?

How Many Americans Own Cars? The average American is a car owner. Across the country, 92 percent of American households have one vehicle or more, according to the latest U.S. Census data.

Is it common law to not have a driver's license?

Sorry, the right to travel is common law, but the privilege to drive a motor vehicle is not. A motor vehicle requires training for the safety of other people on the roads. Therefore the privilege to drive one is contingent upon receiving that training and getting a license.

How many years does a suspended license stay on your record?

Traffic violations and points can stay on your driving record or license for three to ten years. In some states, some markups are permanent. You can resolve a suspended license by taking steps to reinstate it. However, there may still be a mark of the driver's license suspension.

Can your license be suspended for unpaid debt?

California, Colorado, Idaho, New Mexico and Virginia are among a handful of states that no longer suspend, revoke or prohibit driver's license renewals for failure to pay fines and fees and/or appear in court.

What age is Gen Alpha?

We're talking about Generation Alpha, the children of Generation Y, and often the younger siblings of Generation Z. Simply put, Generation Alpha are defined as those born from 2010-2024.

How much of Gen Z is unemployed?

The jobless rate for 20- to 24-year-olds surged to 7.2% in January, compared to just 3.2% for workers over 25, per the latest jobs data. One in three 2023 college graduates say they don't believe they have the skills to land a full-time offer, according to a survey from the job listings site Handshake.

Does Gen Z have it harder than millennials?

Compared with millennials at the same age, Gen Z has more debt of all kinds — including credit cards, car loans and mortgages — after adjusting for inflation, according to TransUnion's internal records.

What generation is the most sober?

Generation Z is leading a significant shift in drinking habits. In fact, compared to preceding generations, Generation Z may be the soberest generation yet. Members of Gen Z consume about one-third less beer and wine than previous generations.

How does Gen Z say drunk?

Lit – Exciting, excellent, or intoxicated.

What cancers is alcohol linked to?

Drinking alcohol raises your risk of getting several kinds of cancer:
  • Mouth.
  • Throat (pharynx)
  • Voice box (larynx)
  • Esophagus.
  • Colon and rectum.
  • Liver.
  • Breast (in women)

How many 100 year olds drive?

The paper reported that the number of people aged 70 or older who hold driving licenses has surpassed 4 million for the first time. The oldest licensed driver is a 107-year-old woman, while there are 191 people aged over 100 who still have their licenses.

What state has the most drivers?

Licensed drivers in the U.S. - total number by state 2021

Not only is California the U.S. state with the highest number of licensed drivers, but it is also the most populous state in the U.S. overall, representing close to 12 percent of the country's total population.

What percentage of 87 year olds still drive?

The offsetting risks for mortality and driving cessation between men and women resulted in an equivalent proportion who continued to drive after 2 years of follow-up, ranging from approximately 90% among those aged 70 to 74 years to about 60% among those aged 85 years and older (Figure 1 ▶).