How to Get Your License Back After a DUI

Drinking and driving is illegal in all 50 states for good reason, causing a death rate in the U.S of about 11,000 people per year or 37 people every day according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). If you get a DUI conviction, you will lose your driver’s license and have your driving privileges revoked.

If you’re dealing with a license revocation, you’re probably wondering how to get your license back. We’ve got you covered, but before we discuss how to get your suspended license reinstated, it’s important to understand how long license revocation periods last.

How Long is Your License Suspended for a DUI in California?

In California, the amount of time your driver’s license is suspended for a DUI depends on whether you are a first time or repeat offender. Regardless of whether it’s your first time or not, your driving privileges are revoked if:

• You are 21 years of age or older.
• You took a chemical test showing a blood alcohol content (BAC) level of 0.08% or higher.

1st-Time Offenders

If this is your first time being arrested for driving under the influence with no death or injuries caused, your driving privileges will be revoked on a 4-month license suspension period.

If it’s your first time being convicted, your driving privileges will be suspended for 6-10 months and you may need to pay fines, penalties, and other restrictions.

Repeat Offenders

If it is your second time or greater being convicted for a DUI with no death or injuries caused, your driving privileges will once again be revoked and you will receive a license suspension based on the number of offenses. For example, if it is your 2nd offense, your license suspension lasts for 2 years, and a 3rd offense – 3 years.

It is important to note that California judges might also require those arrested for a DUI to serve jail time.

How Do You Get Your Driver’s License Back After a DUI?

In California, as long as you serve your full suspension and pay any fines or restrictions, you can get your license back. You will also need to provide an SR-22 certificate to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), and if you are a repeat offender, you’ll need to have an Ignition Interlock Device (IID) installed in your car.

Submit Your SR-22 Certificate

The SR-22 certificate is a form that your insurance provides to the DMV to show that you meet the state’s requirements for auto insurance coverage. This form is also needed in order to obtain a restricted license.

Ignition Interlock Device (IID)

Repeat offenders are required to have an Ignition Interlock Device (IID) installed in their car and are unable to reinstate their driving privileges without one, even if they’ve completed their suspension period.

The Ignition Interlock Device (IID) periods are as follows:

• 1 year for 2nd offenders
• 2 years for 3rd offenders
• 3 years for 4th offenders or higher

DUI With Injury or Death

It is important to note that the information provided only applies if you have a DUI conviction where you have not injured or killed anyone. A DUI with injury or death will most likely result in charges brought upon the driver and could lead to serious jail time.

What to Do if You Are Hit by a Drunk Driver

If you’ve been hit by a drunk driver, take these steps:

1. Call 911 – Whether you’ve been injured or need to report the crime, call 911 for an ambulance and/or police officer.
2. Get medical assistance – If you were injured, make sure the ambulance takes you to the hospital and you get the help you need from medical professionals.
3. Hire an accident attorney – You will be dealing with the insurance companies and things can get confusing and messy. An experienced attorney will be a valuable asset to navigate the ordeal.

West Coast Trial Lawyers Can Help

Remember that if you have a license revocation due to a DUI and you need it reinstated, you should complete your license suspension period, have your insurance company submit your SR-22 to the motor vehicle department, and if you’re a repeat offender, get an IDD installed in your car.

If you’ve been in an accident caused by a drunk driver, we’re the legal team that can help you get justice. Our experienced attorneys have over 20 years dealing with these kinds of cases. We will help you get the medical attention you need, get your car fixed, and obtain the financial compensation you deserve. We’ve obtained over $1.6 billion in compensation for our clients and are here to help you 24/7.

Call us today at (213) 927-3700 or fill out our simple online contact form for a FREE consultation.