If you are arrested for a DUI in California, not only will you be charged with a serious criminal offense, but your driver’s license will be suspended by the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). A first-time arrest will result in a four-month license suspension, while a second or subsequent arrest carries a one-year suspension period.
Without your driving privileges, you may experience difficulties consistently commuting to work, which can result in tardiness and absenteeism. Such behavior can then lead to several employment issues, including write-ups and even termination.
Fortunately, you may be eligible to obtain a restricted license to drive to and from work and during the course of your job duties. However, if you refused to take a chemical test following your arrest or you were arrested while driving on a suspended or revoked license, you are ineligible for a restricted license. You may also be ineligible if a judge imposes a “hard suspension.”
Remember, a restricted license is only available for personal driving privileges. This means commercial driver’s license (CDL) holders cannot get a restricted license for work purposes.
But as of January 1, 2019, you may apply for a restricted license immediately—without serving any period of suspension—by installing an ignition interlock device (IID) in your vehicle(s). This restriction allows you to drive to any place at any time for up to four months, so long as your car is equipped with an IID.
To apply for this restricted license, you must do the following:
Visit a DMV office
Pay a $125 APS fee
Provide proof of enrollment in a DUI program
Provide proof of IID installation (DL 920)
Provide proof of insurance (SR 22)
On the other hand, if you serve 30 days of your four-month suspension, you may apply for a restricted license that enables you to drive to, from, and during employment and to and from your DUI program for a maximum of five months.
To apply for this restricted license, you must do the following:
Visit a DMV office
Pay a $125 APS fee
Provide proof of enrollment in a DUI program
Provide proof of insurance (SR 22)
Whether you obtain a restricted license or serve your four-month suspension period, you may reinstate your driver’s license with no restrictions.
If you have been arrested for a DUI in Oakland or within the Bay Area, call the Law Office of Nabiel C. Ahmed at (510) 907-6600 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a free consultation.