Drivers in Los Angeles can receive a temporary license after they are arrested for driving under the influence (DUI). What is this temporary restricted license? Generally, this license allows a driver to continue operating their vehicle for 30 days after a DUI arrest.
After 30 days, the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) can fully suspend an individual’s driver’s license. Find out more about options to continue operating a vehicle after a DUI arrest by checking out this article today.
Learn About a Temporary License in California
Many drivers in California do not know much about temporary licenses associated with DUI charges. Drivers receive this temporary license automatically in most cases. Police officers will take your regular license after a DUI arrest. They will often give you a slip of paper in return. This paper serves as a temporary license.
However, police officers do not always provide this license right away. Instead, the DMV can mail you a license in some cases. In either case, this license only works for a limited period of time. After 30 days, your temporary license will no longer be valid.
Note that the 30-day countdown starts from the time of your arrest. The 30-day period does not start from the time you receive a temporary license in the mail. After 30 days, the DMV can legally suspend your license automatically. However, you can take steps to prevent this suspension.
DUI Arrests in California and DMV Hearings
Drivers accused of a DUI in California can request a hearing with the DMV. You have 10 days from the time of your arrest to request this hearing. During this hearing, the DMV considers whether or not you should keep your driving privileges.
A Los Angeles DUI lawyer can help you during a DMV hearing. A lawyer can use this hearing to review the case against you. However, you should know that the DMV hearing does not directly impact your criminal case.
You can still face criminal charges for a DUI, even if the DMV decides not to suspend your license. A DUI lawyer can help you with any criminal charges you are facing. Find out more about how to build a defense to DUI accusations by calling (310) 896-2724.
Driver’s License Restrictions After a DUI
A DUI conviction in California can lead to restrictions on an individual’s driver’s license. Previously, the state almost always suspended an individual’s driver’s license after a conviction. The amount of time for a suspension varied based on how many DUI charges a driver had. For example, a:
- A first conviction could lead to a suspension of up to one year
- A second conviction could lead to a suspension of up to two years
However, the state of California does not always issue license suspensions for DUI convictions, currently. The state adopted the use of ignition interlock devices (IIDs). IIDs are personal breathalyzer devices. They attach to an individual’s vehicle.
IIDs can measure a driver’s blood alcohol content (BAC). The IID prevents a vehicle from turning on if a driver’s BAC is elevated. Drivers who accept an IID can get an IID-restricted license in California. An IID restricted license allows you to drive as long as you operate a vehicle with an IID.
Drivers must use an IID for different periods of time after a DUI conviction. Generally, drivers must use these devices for:
- Up to six months for a first offense
- Up to one year for a second offense
- Up to two years for a third offense
We’re ready to help you learn more about IID restricted licenses in California. Reach out to a member of our team now and get the legal assistance that you want.
Other Effects of a DUI Arrest in California
A DUI conviction in California can lead to other serious consequences. Drivers who are convicted of a DUI can face fines and even time in jail. The court treats some DUI charges as felonies. Felonies convictions can lead to prison time.
We are here to help if you are facing any kind of DUI charge. You can easily contact us. We’ll focus on getting your charges reduced or even dismissed.
Ask a Lawyer About a Temporary Restricted License in California
Have questions about a temporary restricted license in California? We can help you protect your driving privileges after a DUI accusation. Just reach out to a Los Angeles DUI lawyer now. We’ll review your unique situation with a free consultation.
Find out more by calling us at (310) 896-2724. You can also fill out our online contact form, starting right now.
