The Hearing
The hearing is your opportunity to present information (testimony and/or documents) that you would like the Board to consider when reviewing your appeal.
At the time of your hearing, your name will be called by the Board and you will be asked to provide some basic information for identification purposes. Then a representative of the Registrar will:
- Present what action(s) the Registrar has taken regarding your license privileges and;
- support the reason for the action.
This presentation almost always includes the Registry's submission of your Driving History Record as maintained by the Registry of Motor Vehicles.
After you and the Board have heard the Registry's presentation you will have the opportunity to present your information to the Board.
The Board members will ask questions. You should not ask questions of the Registry representative and the Registry representative should not ask questions of you. You do not have to respond to questions from anyone but Board members during your hearing.
If you have questions you wish answered/clarified by the Registry or they have questions for you --- the proper procedure is to present the question to the Board and ask for clarification. Proper hearing procedure allows the hearing to focus on the issue at hand and prevents inappropriate comments/arguments dialogue. Respect for all participants in the hearing process, the Registry official, the Board members and most especially respect for you is expected.
After the Hearing
At the end of the testimony and the questions by the Board, your hearing will be closed. If the Board asks you to provide additional information this must be done in written form and submitted by mail or fax. If you find there is any need to contact the Board or make any inquiries regarding your case, it must be done in writing. Board members cannot have ex-parte communication (communication outside of the formal presence of both parties) with you or the Registry about your appeal. Any communication must be in writing so that it can be made a part of the official record. This is to protect your rights and the integrity of the hearing process. The Board will answer your inquiry in writing, as there must be a formal record of all communication.
The Decision
The Board members will review the testimony, documentation and laws applicable to your appeal and make a decision. The decision of the Board will be mailed to you and a copy to the Registry approximately 7 to 10 days following your hearing, unless your case is being held open for the submission of additional information.
If your decision allows your licensing privileges to be reinstated partially or fully you must take your decision to the Registry of Motor Vehicles to complete the required formalities to become reinstated. A favorable decision letter is not your license; it allows you to go the Registry to become reinstated.