When faced with a traffic violation, the need to go out of your way to either contest it in court or even just pay the fine can be a huge hassle. Unfortunately, these are only the tip of the iceberg of the potential consequences of these violations.

For many, one of the most devastating results of these situations is the loss of a license. Unless you live near a city center with public transit, it’s virtually impossible for most people to function in everyday life without access to an automobile. While there are numerous ways to lose your license, be it unpaid tickets or a single serious offense, there are basically three types of license punishments.

Here is a rundown of them:

1. Suspension: A suspension is only a temporary withdrawal of driving privileges. Once the designated period of suspension has passed, it will be restored and everything will go back to normal.
2. Revocation: This is an indefinite withdrawal or even a total termination of your driving privilege. But you can reapply for a new license after the the set time period has ended and will usually have to perform a driver’s test again. However, the state may deny your application.
3. Cancellation: In these cases, driving privileges are completely nullified, with no chance of reapplication in the future.

While the inability to drive is in and of itself usually punishment enough, the financial pitfalls of tickets and fines that accompany these penalties can take a substantial toll as well. When the expenses become unmanageable, one solace can lie in filing for different types of bankruptcy.

Of the estimated 1,071,932 different types of bankruptcy filings in the United States just in 2013, a good portion were the result of extensive traffic fines. But to benefit from a claim, it’s essential to know when to file bankruptcy.

In order to do so, seeking out bankruptcy help from an attorney should be the first step. They can help you understand what it means to file bankruptcy, including outlining the steps of the process, as well as explain the repercussions.

Besides being prepared with the $306 fee to begin a bankruptcy filing — a chapter 7 bankruptcy for this example — it’s also vital to understand that a bankruptcy can remain on your credit report for up to 10 years.

Next time you find your ability to drive on the line, consider how you might benefit from the different types of bankruptcy. But keep in mind the repercussions if not handled correctly. How much does your freedom to drive affect your life?