One of the most dreaded penalties of a DUI conviction is having your driver’s license suspended. It’s almost impossible to get around the Los Angeles area without driving. We use our cars to go to and from work, make important appointments like doctor visits, see family, and go to school. A single DUI conviction can take all of that away. The Los Angeles DUI Attorney will protect your rights.
California does allow restricted driving privileges for many DUI offenders. A restricted driver’s license lessens the burden of having your license suspended. It will allow you to go to and from your job, helping keep your life on track. While getting your restricted driver’s license can be confusing, an experienced Los Angeles DUI lawyer will simplify it.
Determine if You Are Eligible for a Restricted Driver’s License
Not everyone convicted of DUI is eligible to receive restricted driving privileges. In some cases, the judge may have directly told you at sentencing that you can apply for a restricted license. However, in many cases, the judge doesn’t address this.
Generally, the only people not eligible for a restricted license are drivers who (a) already had their license suspended or revoked when they were pulled over for DUI or (b) refused to take a chemical test after being arrested for DUI. If you aren’t in those categories, you should be eligible.
Wait 30 Days or Until Your “Hard Suspension” Period Is Over
There is always a waiting period before you’re eligible for your restricted driver’s license. For most DUI offenders, this period is just 30 days, as mandated by the DMV. However, in some cases, the judge will impose a period of “hard suspension” as part of your criminal sentence.
A hard suspension is a period of time during which you cannot drive at all. All sentences for a second, third, or subsequent DUI within a 10-year period will include a hard suspension. You can either wait until the hard suspension is over or, in some cases, shorten it by agreeing to install an ignition interlock device in every car you own.
Enroll in DUI School
The DMV will not agree to give you any driving privileges unless you’re complying with the terms of your sentence. The most basic requirement you must meet is to enroll in DUI traffic school, a series of classes that teach you to drive safely.
Note that you only have to enroll in the classes to get your restricted driver’s license; you don’t have to wait until you complete it. Ask your DUI school program for proof of enrollment. You’ll need this document when you apply for your license.
How To Find a Court-Approved DUI School Near You in Los Angeles
To find court-approved DUI classes in Los Angeles, refer to official resources provided by the County of Los Angeles or reach out to the California Department of Health Care Service (DHCS). Additionally, your DUI lawyer can assist in selecting a suitable program.
The County of Los Angeles provides a comprehensive list of approved DUI programs specifically tailored for individuals within the Los Angeles area. Accessing this resource ensures that you can readily find programs that meet the necessary criteria set forth by the county.
Enroll in Other Court-Ordered Programs as Required
Some DUI sentences require you to enroll in other programs as well. These may include addiction treatment, such as an AA group, a drug addiction support group, or rehab. Again, you must enroll in this treatment program before you apply for your restricted license, but you don’t have to wait to complete it. Ask for proof of enrollment.
Get the Right Car Insurance
You must show “proof of financial responsibility” before you are allowed to drive. This basically just means proof of adequate insurance. DUI offenders need a higher level of car insurance than other drivers, which costs more.
Talk to your car insurance company and tell them you need a form SR-22 for the DMV. More details on the SR-22 are available here: How long does DUI affect insurance in California?
Apply for Your Temporary, Restricted Driver’s License
Once you have completed all the steps above, you can apply for your restricted driver’s license at your local DMV office. Bring the proof of enrollment, the SR-22, and any court documents about your sentence. You will have to pay a $125 fee (or $100 if you were under 21 when the DUI occurred).
You Receive Your Restricted Driver’s License
With a restricted license, you are granted limited driving privileges. A DUI attorney in Los Angeles will review your obligations and responsibilities to make sure that you fully understand your rights.
Once you are issued your restricted driver’s license, you can only legally drive under certain circumstances, such as:
- To and from court-ordered treatment like DUI school.
- To and from work.
- During work, if and only if you are required to drive as part of your job.
Note that these steps only apply to personal driving privileges. There is no way to get a restricted Commercial Driver’s License.
Statistical Information of DUI Arrests in Los Angeles
The California DMV’s report shows that Los Angeles County (LAC) witnessed 24,642 DUI arrests in 2018, followed by 23,529 in 2019 and a decrease to 17,780 in 2020. This data suggests a declining trend in DUI incidents within LAC.
Delving deeper into the statistical landscape of DUIs, the Annual Report of the California DUI Management Information System for 2020 offers valuable insights into the nature of DUI arrests within the county. Among the total arrests documented, 852 were categorized as felonies, 35 as juvenile, and a significant 16,893 as misdemeanors.
The Los Angeles DUI Attorney Will Help You Fight to Keep Your License
Getting a restricted driver’s license takes time and isn’t an option for every DUI offender. The best way to handle it is never to be convicted of DUI in the first place. Working with the right DUI lawyer in Los Angeles can lead to less serious penalties, or your charges might get dropped.
Time is of the essence if you face DUI charges. By seeking professional guidance as soon as possible, you increase the chances of a better outcome for your case. Let us connect you to a lawyer with the right experience for your case. Contact us today to get your free consultation.
