What is the history of the new FAST Suspension Program?
As one of the most powerful government agencies in the State of California, the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is tasked with the responsibility of issuing the California Driver License to those applicants who qualify. Once the department issues a driver license, it then begins a life-long oversight of that driver to ensure they always maintain the Skill, the Knowledge and the Physical and Mental Fitness to drive. It is also within the purview of the DMV to punish drivers whose driving actions and history may indicate a pattern of Negligent Operation.
Conventional wisdom dictates that by monitoring the driving history and behavior of all drivers, the DMV may be able to identify those people who pose a threat to the motoring public through their dangerous or negligent driving practices, and to take them off the road to prevent a tragedy.
For many years, the California DMV has been deeply concerned about the increasing number of our citizens who are severely injured or killed each year as a result of a motorist speeding above 100 mph. In years past, if a driver were issued a citation speeding above 100 mph, that person would be charged with a violation of California Vehicle Code (CVC) Section 22348(b). Because of court backlog and the delays that occur when a driver contests the allegation, it is common for resolution to take many months or even more than a year. During that entire period of time, the driver would go unpunished and the DMV was powerless to take any action against the offender. Even if a person were convicted of CVC Section 22348(b) in court, that would only often result in fines and an increase in insurance rates. Unless the offending driver already had two violation or accident points on their record, they would often be untouched by the DMV. In short, these drivers who often cause untold misery and damages were not receiving anything more than a “Slap on the Wrist.”
In early 2025, the State of California decided it was time to take action because the number of fatality accidents caused by someone driving in excess of 100 mph was rising at an alarming rate. Acting in partnership with the California Highway Patrol (CHP), the DMV commissioned a study and the results were alarming.
As a result, in December 2025 and January 2026, the California DMV and the California CHP launched a “pilot program” know as the FAST program which stands for Forwarded Actions for Speeding Tickets.
In the new FAST program, the California CHP is specifically targeting drivers who speed at or above 100 mph. Just like in the past, the accused driver must appear in court and face the consequences of their actions. What’s new is that under FAST, the CHP immediately sends notification of the citation to the DMV’S, Driver Safety Office.
The Driver Safety Office then launches an action to determine if suspension of revocation of the accused driver’s driving privilege is warranted. If so, the driver can have their driving privilege withdrawn months before the case was ever called in court.
What action does the DMV take in a FAST Violation?
When the California DMV receives information from the California CHP that a driver has been cited for a violation of speeding over 100 mph (CVC Section 22348(a), the department will immediately open a file and launch an investigation. Under the new FAST program (CVC Section 13355, the DMV is empowered to launch a suspension or revocation against an offending driver even though they have not been convicted in court.
When the DMV receives information that any driver has been cited for a violation of CVC Section 22348(b), the Department will do one of three things:
- Take no action…………. This is unlikely to occur as the DMV is working under the authority of the new pilot program and must report back to the California Legislature the effectiveness of the program.
- Issue a Notice of Reexamination. Essentially this is a notice that the DMV has opened a case and is conducting an investigation to determine of suspension or revocation of the driving privilege is warranted. During this time the accused person’s driving privilege remains valid and they may continue to drive. The Reexamination culminates with the Driver having to testify at a “Reexamination Interview.” If successful, the case is closed and the person’s driving privilege is safe. If not successful, the person’s driving privilege is suspended and they must appear at a full-blown administrative hearing in hopes of having their privilege restored.
- Issue an Order of Probation and Suspension. Because of the nature and the political aspects of the new FAST program, the is most likely to move to immediate suspension. In this type of action, the DMV suspends or revokes the person’s driving privilege for a minimum of six months followed by six months of probation.
**And remember…….. these are actions taken entirely independent of any action taken by a court**
What can I do to protect my driving privilege?
If you have received a Notice of Reexamination or the more ominous Order of Probation and Suspension from the DMV, heed that warning and make plans to react quickly. Contact the DMV Defense experts at California Drivers Advocates so we can begin the process of protecting your driving privilege.
Mistakes are made by law enforcement agencies, courts and the DMV. Being labeled a Negligent Operator under the new FAST Program can trigger numerous repercussions. There are several tactics that can be used to keep you on the road. Don’t let the DMV steal your driving privilege without a fight. Call CDA today.