6 Things you Need to Know About DUI

Should you ever need to make a claim on your DUI insurance, you need to know what steps to take to retain your driving privileges and make the legal process run smoothly for everyone involved.

I was arrested for DUI. What now?

If you’re pulled over and arrested for DUI, the officer will write up a sworn report and fill out the notice of suspension or revocation form. They’ll likely confiscate your license as well, and after all forms are filled out, they’re sent to the DMV to be examined by administration. This includes the results of any sobriety tests conducted. If the suspension or revocation is upheld by DMV administration, you may be given a brief window of opportunity to contest the decision. If you feel that you were given the notice unjustly, you have 10 days to request a hearing.

Of course, after the administrative review, it’s possible that the suspension or revocation will not be upheld. This typically occurs if administration decides there was no basis for the suspension or revocation. If your case is not upheld, you’ll receive a notification in the mail.

My license was confiscated at the time of arrest. How can I get it back?

Unfortunately, there’s no quick-and-easy way out of this one. If your license is taken, you won’t be able to get it back until the end of your suspension or revocation. If you’re over 21, you’ll need to pay a $125 reissue fee, and you’ll also need to provide proof of financial responsibility to your branch. If you’re under 21 and were suspended under the Zero Tolerance Law, your fee is only $100.

If your case is not upheld or if it is found that there is no basis for your suspension or revocation, your license will be returned immediately.

The penalties of a DUI don’t just go away after you get your license back. If this is your first offense, you’re over 21, and you tested for 0.08% BAC or more, you’ll likely be sentenced to a 4-month suspension. If this is your second offense inside a 10-year period, the penalty is bumped up to a 1-year suspension.

If you’re under 21 and tested for 0.01% or more, you’ll likely be facing a 1-year suspension right off the bat, and the penalties only get more severe with repeat offenses.

Not sure what the future holds? Cheap SR-22 insurance is a great way to make sure that no matter what, you’re covered.

How will I get to work?

You may apply for and be granted a special restricted driver’s license. This restricted license will allow you to drive from your home to your place of employment or any DMV field office – that’s it. Requests for these licenses should not be made during the DMV hearing and will not be considered at that point in the process.

How do I obtain a restricted license?

After the mandatory 30-day suspension period, you can apply for a restricted driver’s license that will allow you to go to work or visit any local DMV. To receive this license, you must provide proof of enrollment in a DUI treatment program and you must file proof of financial responsibility in addition to paying your $125 reissue fee. Again, this fee is only $100 if you’re under 21 and were suspended under the Zero Tolerance Law.

Should I request an administrative hearing?

If you think you were unjustly persecuted or you were issued a suspension or revocation without justification, you have 10 days from receipt of your notice to request an administrative hearing. This hearing will allow you to contest the suspension or revocation.

Are there consequences for refusing the chemical test?

If you are 21 or older and refuse to take a blood, breath, or urine test, you’ll face a 1-year, 2-year, or 3-year suspension depending on your number of offenses within a 10-year period.

If you are younger than 21, the same penalties apply for failing to complete a Preliminary Alcohol Screening (PAS) or other chemical test. First offenders typically get a 1-year suspension while repeat offenders receive 2-year or 3-year suspensions.

Most importantly, drive safe, buckle up, and always bring a designated driver. Put the effort in now to be a more responsible driver – driving under the influence can be lethal to you and others, and is not worth it! Until then, save on auto insurance with Cost-U-Less and call, click, or visit today for more information on better driving and better insurance.