Suspension and cancellation: two very different measures
A driving licence suspension is a temporary measure that deprives the driver of their right to drive for a set period. It can be administrative (decided by the prefecture) or judicial (ordered by a court). Cancellation, on the other hand, is definitive: the licence is erased and must be fully retaken to drive again.
Causes of licence suspension
Administrative suspension (immediate): blood alcohol ≥ 0.8 g/L, drug driving, speeding ≥ 40 km/h, serious accident with injuries, serious lack of insurance. The prefecture can issue a suspension of 1 to 6 months in these cases. Judicial suspension: ordered by the criminal court for the most serious offences, and can last up to 5 years.
Causes of judicial cancellation
Licence cancellation is ordered by the court in the most serious cases: involuntary manslaughter or involuntary injury while drink driving, hit and run after a personal injury accident, repeat drug-driving offence, refusal to submit to tests. It may be combined with a 'prohibition period' (banned from retaking the test for a number of months or years).
Invalidation due to zero points balance
A third measure exists: invalidation due to a zero points balance. This is neither a suspension nor a judicial cancellation: it is an automatic administrative consequence. The driver receives a registered letter ordering them to surrender their licence. To recover the right to drive, they must wait 6 months, retake the ETG (theory), and if passed, a probationary licence is returned with 6 points.
Available recourse in 2026
Against an administrative suspension: you can apply to the administrative court for an emergency suspension of the measure (interim relief). Against a judicial suspension: appeal within 10 days. Against invalidation for points: it is impossible to challenge the procedure if the points were regularly deducted, but you can challenge individual deductions if they were unlawful.
Getting your licence back after cancellation
After a judicial cancellation, once the prohibition period has expired, you must retake the full licence test (theory + driving), undergo a medical examination with an approved doctor, and sometimes a psychological assessment. The new licence is a probationary licence with 6 points.
How to get the right guidance?
If you need to retake your licence following a cancellation or a refresher after a suspension, DevisPermis.fr connects you with specialist schools. Get your free quote.
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Frequently asked
Your questions on this topic
What is the difference between licence suspension and cancellation?
Suspension is a temporary measure (up to 3 years maximum) ordered by the prefect or a court. The licence remains valid, just held. Cancellation is permanent and requires retaking the entire licence (theory + practical), with a psychotechnical exam at 90-120 euros. Administrative suspension applies immediately, judicial cancellation requires a court ruling.
How long does a licence suspension last in 2026?
An administrative prefectoral suspension lasts up to 6 months (12 months in case of bodily injury). A judicial suspension ordered by court can reach 3 years, 5 years for serious offences (BAC over 0.8 g/L, failure to comply). For repeat offenders or drivers under drugs, duration doubles. Getting the licence back requires medical exam plus psychotechnical tests.
What recourse after a driving licence cancellation?
The main recourse against a judicial cancellation is appeal before the Court of Appeal within 10 days of judgment, with a specialised lawyer (1,500 to 3,000 euros). For administrative cancellation (48SI zero balance), file with the administrative court within 2 months. The minimum waiting period before retaking the licence is 6 months (1 year for repeat offenders).
Can you drive during a licence suspension?
No, driving during a licence suspension is an offence punishable by 2 years in prison and a 4,500 euro fine, plus immediate vehicle impoundment. The only exception is the white licence, rarely granted by a judge for compelling professional reasons. Request it at the trial with employer justification, acceptance rate around 15 to 20 percent.
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