If you meet certain criteria, you may be able to obtain a restricted license.
One of the harshest — and perhaps most unexpected — consequences of getting charged with a DUI for many Californians is learning that their license has been suspended. In many cases, before you leave the police station, the officer will confiscate your license and provide you with a notice of hearing form, which gives you the opportunity to request a hearing with Department of Motor Vehicles.
Losing your license can be incredibly difficult. After all, without a license, it is pretty hard to get to work, to school, to the store, or anywhere else. Fortunately, in California, there is an option to obtain a restricted driver’s license. This license will permit you to drive during your suspension for five months, and will allow you to drive to, from and during work, and drive to and from your DUI program. However, as your Riverside DUI attorney can tell you, not everyone is eligible for a restricted license after a California DUI.
To be eligible for a restricted license, you must meet the following criteria:
- You must have been 21 or older at the time of your arrest;
- This must have been your only DUI-related offense within the last 10 years; and
- The results of your chemical test showed .08% or more, if you were operating a non-commercial vehicle, or .04% or more, if you were operating a commercial vehicle.
If you qualify for the program, you must then enroll in a licensed DUI First Offender program, and tell the program provider that you are applying for a restricted driver’s license. Your license will still be suspended for a period of 30 days, after which time you can obtain a restricted license if you complete the following items:
- Ask the provider to file a Proof of Enrollment Certificate (Form DL-107) with the Department of Motor Vehicles;
- Pay a $125 re-issue fee to the DMV;
- File proof of your financial responsibility, which can take several forms, such as:
- California Proof of Insurance Certificate (SR 22)
- Surety bond
- Self insurance certificate
- $35,000 cash deposit
- Request a “To-From-During Course of Employment and DUI Program” restriction
While getting a restricted driver’s license can be challenging, it still permits you to get to work and to your mandatory DUI classes so that you can complete your probation. If you are eligible for a restricted driver’s license, talk to your Riverside DUI attorney about how you can go about applying for and obtaining a license to use while you are waiting for your case to be resolved.
A DUI has many serious consequences, including the loss of your California driver’s license. A skilled Riverside DUI attorney can help defend you against an unjust DUI charge, working zealously to protect your rights and your interests. If you have been charged with a DUI, contact the Chambers Law Firm today at 714-760-4088 or dchambers@clfca.com to schedule a free initial consultation and learn how we can help you.
