Understanding DUI License Suspensions
A DUI conviction in California can lead to a driver’s license suspension. When you are arrested for driving under the influence, law enforcement officers will usually take your driver’s license.
You can face a driver’s license suspension immediately, or it may take effect after a hearing. The length of the suspension depends on the severity of the DUI offense, any prior convictions, and whether you have had prior DUI offenses.
If you are arrested for a DUI, it is important to understand the rules around DUI suspension. You may be able to request a hearing to challenge the suspension. If the suspension is upheld, you will have to complete the required steps to have your driver’s license restored. A criminal defense lawyer can help you navigate this process and ensure you are doing everything necessary to get your driving privileges back.
How Long Is Your License Suspended After a DUI?
The length of a license suspension can vary depending on your specific case. For a first DUI offense, the suspension could last between 4 months to a year. However, if you have prior convictions or committed other violations, such as having a high BAC or a second DUI offense, the suspension could be longer.
If you are facing a DUI conviction, you may have the option to apply for a restricted license during the suspension. This will allow you to drive to specific locations, like work or school. You may also be able to apply for early reinstatement if you meet all requirements set by the motor vehicle department.
Steps to Get Your License Back After a DUI
If your driver’s license has been suspended due to a DUI conviction, there are steps you must take to get it reinstated. Here’s what you need to do:
Complete the Mandatory Suspension Period
The first step in getting your driver’s license back is completing the mandatory suspension period. This is the length of time your license is taken away after a DUI offense. For a first offense, the suspension usually lasts 4 to 6 months.
For repeat offenders or those with a high BAC, the suspension may last longer. You cannot apply for license reinstatement until this period ends. It is important to note that this suspension is separate from any other legal consequences, such as jail time or probation.
If you need to drive during the suspension, you may be able to apply for a restricted license. A restricted license allows you to drive for specific purposes, such as going to work or attending school. This option is available after meeting certain requirements, such as attending a DUI school or having an IID installed in your car.
Attend a DUI School or Alcohol Education Program
After your license suspension period, you will likely need to attend a DUI school or alcohol education program. This is required by the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) for anyone convicted of a DUI offense. These programs are designed to help individuals understand the risks of drunk driving and learn how to avoid it in the future. The program will also assess whether you have any substance abuse problems.
For a first DUI conviction, the program typically lasts 3 months. For repeat offenders or those with higher BAC levels, the program could last up to 18 months. Completion of the program is mandatory for reinstatement of a driver’s license.
The program also helps the court see that you are taking steps to address any underlying issues, which may improve your chances of getting your license restored sooner.
Install an Ignition Interlock Device (IID) (If Required)
In some cases, after a DUI offense, you may be required to install an IID in your vehicle. The IID is a device that measures your blood alcohol content (BAC) before allowing you to start your car. If your BAC is over the legal limit, the vehicle won’t start. This requirement is typically imposed for those with a high BAC or those who have committed repeat DUI offenses.
Installing an IID can be part of the license reinstatement process. Once it’s installed, you’ll need to keep it in your vehicle for a set period, which can vary depending on your case. While the IID is in place, you’ll also be required to pay for regular maintenance and monitoring.
Once the device has been in place for the required period and there are no violations, your driver’s license can be reinstated.
Pay Fines and Reinstatement Fees
After completing the necessary programs and requirements, you will need to pay fines and reinstatement fees to get your driver’s license restored. These fees vary depending on the specifics of your DUI conviction and your history of driving offenses. Reinstatement fees are paid directly to the DMV.
In addition to the reinstatement fees, there may be other fines related to your DUI conviction. For example, you may be required to pay for the DUI school or alcohol education program. These fees can add up quickly, so ensure you meet all the requirements and pay on time. Once all fees are paid, the DMV will process your license reinstatement, allowing you to resume your driving privileges.
File SR-22 Insurance (Proof of Financial Responsibility)
To get your driver’s license reinstated after a DUI offense, you must file an SR-22 form, which proves that you have insurance coverage. The SR-22 is a certificate of financial responsibility required by the California DMV for individuals who have been convicted of a DUI offense. This document ensures that you have the minimum level of auto insurance coverage as required by law.
The SR-22 must be filed with your insurance company, and it will then be sent to the DMV on your behalf. You must maintain the SR-22 insurance for a period of three years, during which time your driving record will be monitored.
If you allow your insurance to lapse during this period, your driver’s license suspension may be extended, and you could face further penalties. Once you’ve kept the SR-22 insurance in place for the required period, you can move forward with applying for reinstatement of your driver’s license.
Apply for License Reinstatement at the DMV
Once you’ve met all the requirements, including completing the DUI school, paying all fines, installing an IID if required, and filing the SR-22 insurance, you can apply for license reinstatement at the DMV.
To do so, you’ll need to submit all the necessary paperwork and pay the applicable reinstatement fees. The DMV will review your case and determine if you’ve met all the conditions for restoring your driving privileges.
If everything is in order, the DMV will process your application and return your driver’s license. Remember that you may still face restrictions, such as driving with an IID or limited driving privileges, depending on the specifics of your case. If any issues arise during the reinstatement process, your criminal defense lawyer can help you resolve them.
Can You Get a Hardship or Restricted License?
In some cases, you may be able to apply for a hardship license or a restricted license after a DUI offense. A hardship license allows you to drive for specific purposes, such as going to work, attending school, or taking care of family responsibilities, even if your driver’s license is suspended.
To apply for a restricted license, you typically need to meet certain requirements. These might include installing an IID or completing a DUI school. If you meet the conditions, the DMV may grant you limited driving privileges.
However, not everyone qualifies for a restricted license. If you have prior convictions or your DUI offense is severe, you may not be eligible for this option. It’s best to consult with a criminal defense lawyer to determine if a hardship license is available to you and to help you through the process.
What If Your License Was Revoked?
If your driver’s license has been revoked due to a DUI conviction, the process to get it back is different from a suspension. A license revocation means that your driving privileges are permanently taken away for a certain period, and in some cases, it can be permanent. License revocation usually applies to repeat offenders or those who caused serious harm while driving under the influence.
If your license was revoked, you will need to complete a longer revocation period before applying for license reinstatement. This could involve fulfilling more extensive requirements, such as attending substance abuse treatment or serving a longer revocation period.
After the period ends, you may need to apply for a new driver’s license and meet additional requirements. Consult with a criminal defense lawyer to explore your options if you are facing a revoked license.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Your License Back After a DUI?
The cost of getting your driver’s license back after a DUI offense can vary. There are several fees and fines involved in the license reinstatement process. First, you will have to pay any fines related to your DUI conviction. These can range from several hundred to thousands of dollars, depending on your case and the severity of the DUI offense.
In addition to the fines, reinstatement fees will be charged by the DMV to process your driver’s license reinstatement. These fees typically include administrative costs for your license restoration. If you are required to install an IID, you will need to pay for the installation, as well as ongoing maintenance costs. If you are required to attend a DUI school or alcohol education program, you will also have to pay for those services.
Finally, if you need to file an SR-22 insurance form, there will be costs associated with proving your financial responsibility. These costs can add up, so be prepared and understand all the financial obligations involved in getting your driver’s license restored.
If your driver’s license has been suspended due to a DUI offense, you may wonder how to get it back. Summit Defense Criminal Lawyers is here to help guide you through the process of having your driving privileges restored. A DUI conviction can lead to a suspended license, and the reinstatement process can vary depending on your case.
If you are facing DUI charges and your driver’s license has been suspended, 
