Drinking and Driving DMV Record

There are few things in life that drivers dread more than visiting the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) in their area. For most, the idea alone conjures images of long lines, impatient employees, and time-consuming paperwork—and that’s if you’re simply renewing your driver’s license or registering your vehicle. And, for the thousands of drivers who are arrested each year for driving under the influence (DUI), that routine trip to the DMV becomes even more intimidating due to their drinking and driving DMV record.

Although each state has its own laws regarding driving under the influence, the penalties for a DUI arrest often include an immediate license suspension. In other words, your driving privileges may be temporarily revoked if you are merely charged with the offense—even before you are convicted.



In most areas, once an officer arrests a driver for DUI, he or she will notify the DMV who, in turn, will immediately suspend the person’s driving privileges. Once imposed, this suspension will remain in effect until the day of your hearing—and depending on the laws in your area, this could be 90 days or more.

Fortunately, many of these drivers have the opportunity to appeal this suspension by requesting an administrative hearing with the DMV in their area. During this hearing, you may be granted a restricted driver’s license, which allows you to travel to and from work, school, and other court-approved events. The bad news is that most states only give you a few days (usually 10 or less) to request this hearing—therefore, if you miss this window of opportunity, you will be unable to appeal your suspension.

Of course, like most things in life, there is a catch: the DMV may order you to complete an alcohol education program, install an ignition interlock device in your vehicle, or impose other stipulations before issuing you a restricted license.

To find out whether you may be eligible for a restricted driver’s license in your area, it is important to discuss your case with a local attorney immediately after your arrest.

Put the odds back in your favor. Remember, individuals who obtain legal representation are far more likely to receive a favorable outcome when their case is heard in court. Contact a skilled DUI defense attorney in your area to start working on your defense strategy today.

States and Cities:
AK	Alaska, Anchorage	LA	Louisiana, New Orleans	OH	Ohio, Cincinnati
AL	Alabama, Montgomery	MA	Massachusetts, Boston	OK	Oklahoma, Tulsa
AR	Arkansas, Little Rock	MD	Maryland, Baltimore	OR	Oregon, Portland
AZ	Arizona, Phoenix	ME	Maine, Portland	PA	Pennsylvania, Philadelphia
CA	California, Los Angeles	MI	Michigan, Detroit	RI	Rhode Island, Providence
CO	Colorado, Denver	MN	Minnesota, Duluth	SC	South Carolina, Charleston
CT	Connecticut, Hartford	MO	Missouri, Branson	SD	South Dakota, Sioux Falls
DE	Delaware, Wilmington	MS	Mississippi, Jackson	TN	Tennessee, Nashville
FL	Florida, Orlando	MT	Montana, Bozeman	TX	Texas, Houston
GA	Georgia, Atlanta	NC	North Carolina, Charoltte	UT	Utah, Salt Lake City
HI	Hawaii, Honolulu	ND	North Dakota, Fargo	VT	Vermont, Burlington
IA	Iowa, Des Moines	NE	Nebraska, Omaha	VA	Virginia, Richmond
ID	Idaho, Boise	NH	New Hampshire, Portsmouth	WA	Washington, Seattle
IL	Illinois, Chicago	NJ	New Jersey, Newark	WI	Wisconsin, Milwaukee
IN	Indiana, Indianapolis	NM	New Mexico, Albuquerque	WV	West Virginia, Charleston
KS	Kansas, Kansas City	NV	Nevada, Las Vegas	WY	Wyoming, Cheyenne
KY	Kentucky, Lexington	NY	New York, New York	DC	Washington DC