Board of Appeals vs RMV Reinstatement Hearings: What to Know About Getting Your License Reinstated

If your license has been suspended due to an Immediate Threat designation by the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV), it is important to understand the two types of hearings that may apply to your situation: the RMV Reinstatement Hearing and the Board of Appeals Hearing. These hearings serve different purposes and take place in different forums, but both may play a role in restoring your driving privileges.

At DelSignore Law, we guide clients through both of these processes to help them get back on the road legally and safely.

An RMV Reinstatement Hearing is your first opportunity to request the return of your license after an Immediate Threat suspension. This hearing takes place directly with the Registry of Motor Vehicles and is conducted via telephone call.

At this hearing, the RMV hearing officer will review whether the conditions that led to your suspension have been addressed. You may be required to present:

• Medical records showing that any health issues impacting your ability to drive have been resolved
• Proof of participation in a substance use treatment program, if relevant
• Documentation of a clean driving history since the suspension
• Letters of support or character references

The goal of the reinstatement hearing is to convince the RMV that you are no longer an immediate threat to public safety. These hearings are administrative but require careful preparation and supporting evidence.

If your reinstatement request is denied by the RMV or if the RMV refuses to schedule a reinstatement hearing, your next step is to request a hearing before the Board of Appeal of the Division of Insurance.

This Board operates independently of the RMV and serves as an appellate body with the authority to overrule RMV decisions. The hearing is more formal and is conducted via video hearing.  You can present evidence and testimony to show why your license should be restored.

A Board of Appeals hearing may offer your best chance of reversing a long-term Immediate Threat suspension. However, success at this level depends heavily on how the case is prepared and presented.

Navigating these hearings on your own can be difficult. The legal and procedural requirements are specific, and the consequences of not being fully prepared can lead to continued suspension or denial.

At DelSignore Law, we have extensive experience helping drivers in Massachusetts restore their licenses after Immediate Threat suspensions. We will work with you to build a strong case, prepare you for your hearing, and advocate on your behalf before the RMV or Board of Appeals.

If your license has been suspended for an Immediate Threat and you are unsure what steps to take next, we are here to help. Call DelSignore Law at 781-686-5924 for a consultation.

We can help you determine whether you need a reinstatement hearing, a Board of Appeals hearing, or both, and guide you through every step of the process.