As each state has different laws to regulate license suspensions for DUIs, you can expect to be off the roads or have limited driving privileges for between 30 days and well over a year if you’re caught driving under the influence.
There are two types of license suspensions for DUIs.
Driving under the influence with a blood alcohol level of 0.08% or more can result in a license suspension.
Penalties will increase and the timeline of your license suspension will be longer if you accumulate more than one DUI offense.
In this guide, we’ll go over what happens when you’re pulled over for a DUI, the restrictions you’ll face, and how to get your driver’s license back as soon as possible.
, the police officer will request you take a chemical test—aka a breath test. If you fail the chemical test or refuse to take the test, you could face a DUI arrest that can result in one or both of the following:
From the criminal court: A criminal conviction that involves a criminal license suspension, penalties, fines, and possibly jail time
From the DMV: A driver’s license administrative suspension
In most states, your driver’s license will not be suspended immediately. If you refuse the chemical test or if your blood alcohol content (BAC) is over the legal limit—usually 0.08%—you will be granted a 15- to 45-day temporary license at the time of the DUI arrest. A DMV hearing will be scheduled for a date before your temporary license expires.
If you happen to lose the court hearing, your DUI license suspension period will begin immediately, and depending on your state, you could face fines, penalties, jail time, or community service.
The span of your DUI license suspension will depend on your state’s laws. Your license suspension may last as little as three months, but in some states, it can last a year or more even for a first-time offense.
Depending on how your hearing turns out, you could face overlapping criminal and administrative suspensions. Here are the general administrative DUI license suspension periods for first-time DUI offenses in a variety of states:
: 1 year with the possibility of a restricted license
The timeframes listed above highlight how suspension periods for a first-time DUI offense vary dramatically depending on your state.
Suspensions for a second offense or third offense can be much longer, not to mention the heftier criminal charges and legal repercussions that typically come with additional DUIs.
Restricted driving privileges with a suspended license
In some states, you can request a restricted license or hardship license after a certain period during or following your license suspension. This license will allow you to operate a motor vehicle to and from limited places like work, school, and church during your suspension time.
require suspended drivers to use an Interlock Ignition Device if they wish to operate a vehicle with restricted driving privileges during their license suspension. Other states, like
and Missouri, require drivers to use an Interlock Ignition Device for a period following their official suspension timeline.
In general, restricted licenses offer limited driving options so you can get to and from necessary locations like work, school, medical facilities, or court-ordered programs. Some state laws may permit you to operate your vehicle for other reasons if you have an Interlock Ignition Device.
How to get your driver’s license back after a DUI license suspension
Following your DUI license suspension, you can typically get your
Attend your DUI hearing: Whether you hire a DUI lawyer or represent yourself in your DUI case, it’s crucial that you show up to the hearing for your DUI charges.
Pay your fees: You will face court fees, license reinstatement fees, and possibly bail fees depending on your state.
Complete your DUI license suspension period.
Fulfill any court requirements: Traffic school, Alcohol Safety Action Programs, and other court-ordered requirements must be fulfilled.
Contact your insurance provider: You’ll need to inform your insurance provider of your DUI and license suspension. You may be required to
Finally, contact your local DMV office to apply for a license reinstatement: This will require filling out the appropriate paperwork, which you can usually find on your state’s DMV website or similar government portals.
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FAQs
Do you lose your license for a first-offense DUI?
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In nearly every state, you will face a license suspension for a first-offense DUI. A DUI license suspension can last anywhere from 30 days to well over a year.
Even first-time DUI offenses will also result in criminal charges, fines, and jail time depending on the severity of the incident.
What are the other penalties for a DUI conviction?
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Besides a license suspension, drivers convicted of DUI charges may face a period of jail time, fines and fees, an Ignition Interlock Device requirement, and community service. Penalties depend on the laws in the state where your driver’s license, registration, and address are held.