How Do I Get My License Back After A DUI In California?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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  1. Complete the full period of your license suspension. …
  2. Serve your full jail or prison sentence. …
  3. Complete DUI school. …
  4. Complete any other sentencing conditions. …
  5. Get the right car insurance. …
  6. Apply for reinstatement.

How long is your license suspended for a DUI in California?

If you are convicted of DUI (CVC §23152), the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) will suspend your driving privilege for

6 or 10 months

. You may be subject to fines, penalties, and other restrictions in addition to any suspension of your driving privilege.

Do you lose your license for first DUI in CA?

A court conviction for a first-time DUI in California

automatically triggers a six-month license suspension

pursuant to Vehicle Code 13352(a)(1). A Judge, however, does not impose this suspension. Instead, upon your conviction, the court notifies the DMV and the DMV imposes the suspension.

What happens when you get your first DUI in California?

A first offense DUI in California is a misdemeanor typically punished by

3 to 5 years of probation

, $390.00 to $1000.00 in fines plus penalty assessments, DUI school, a 6-month driver’s license suspension, and installation of an ignition interlock device.

Is jail time mandatory for 1st DUI in California?

For a first DUI offender, you may face

2-days in jail

but will receive an additional 48-hours if you refused BAC testing. For every subsequent DUI conviction, the court will impose a mandatory minimum jail time. … The maximum penalty for a first time misdemeanor DUI is 180 days in county jail.

Can you keep your license after a DUI?

Immediately after being arrested on a first-time DUI offense, you will be given just ten days in which to request a DMV hearing from the California Department of Motor Vehicles, and therefore, put

a temporary hold/stay on the suspension of your license

.

Do I need an SR-22 to reinstate my license?

California may require you to have an

SR-22

to keep or reinstate your driving privileges after a serious offense. With an SR-22, your insurer informs the Department of Motor Vehicles that you’ve purchased at least the minimum required liability insurance in California by filing a certificate with the department.

How likely is jail time for first DUI?

DUI Offense Minimum Jail Time Maximum Jail Sentence 1st DUI

48 hours


6 months
2nd DUI (within 10 years) 10 days Up to 1 year 3rd DUI (within 10 years) 120 days Up to 1 year 4th (or more) DUI (within 10 years) 180 days Up to 3 years

Will a first time DUI ruin my life?

On another level, many people worry that a DUI charge is an indication that they are a bad person. The truth is, people from all walks of life get charged with DUI. … Your first DUI can be a difficult and overwhelming experience, but

it doesn’t have to ruin your life

.

How much does a DUI cost in California 2020?

* How much does a DUI cost? California DUI fines range from

$390 to $5,000 plus penalty assessments & fees

that can raise the total cost to $18,000, depending on your DUI charge. DUI with injury or property damage may also require you to pay injured parties.

How much is bail for a DUI in California?

Even though most DUI defendants are not required to post bail, the Los Angeles County bail schedule does recommend

a $5,000 for a first time DUI offense

. For defendants who have a prior DUI conviction within the previous ten years, the recommended bail increases to $15,000.

Is a DUI a felony in California?

If you already have three DUI convictions, and you are charged with DUI a

fourth time within a ten-year period

, you will be charged with felony DUI. The penalties for a felony DUI conviction may include up to three years in a California State Prison, along with other penalties.

Is your license suspended immediately after a DUI in Texas?

Second, Notice of Suspension acts as a temporary driver’s license to

be used immediately after your DWI arrest

. The temporary driving privileges your Notice of Suspension provides only last for 40 days.

What happens when you get a DUI for the first-time?

A first offense DUI in California is a misdemeanor typically punished by

3 to 5 years of probation

, $390.00 to $1000.00 in fines plus penalty assessments, DUI school, a 6-month driver’s license suspension, and installation of an ignition interlock device.

Is a DUI a felony?

If you already have three DUI convictions, and you are charged with DUI a

fourth time within a ten-year period

, you will be charged with felony DUI. The penalties for a felony DUI conviction may include up to three years in a California State Prison, along with other penalties.

Maria LaPaige
Author
Maria LaPaige
Maria is a parenting expert and mother of three. She has written several books on parenting and child development, and has been featured in various parenting magazines. Maria's practical approach to family life has helped many parents navigate the ups and downs of raising children.