A driver can get their license suspended as a result of a DUI arrest two ways, administratively because of BA (Blood alcohol level) and as a result of a DUI conviction. When someone in California is arrested for DUI, they are given a pink sheet Notice of Suspension and Temporary License for an administrative suspension based on the blood alcohol level regardless of any Court proceeding. Under 21 years old or on probation for a DUI will be suspended for 1 year if they are .01 BA or more. Over 21, you will be suspended by DMV on a first offense for 4 months if you are .08 BA or more. This pink sheet is also a temporary license for 30 days before the suspension will take effect. Unless you call DMV within 10 days of the arrest and set a hearing to challenge the suspension, the suspension will be automatic. Additionally, all DUI convictions result in a suspended license as of the date of conviction and can run concurrently with the “pink sheet admin” suspension. Conviction suspensions range from 6 months on a first conviction to two years on a second and longer for additional prior convictions.
For individuals 21 or older, in order to get a restricted license and cure any suspensions imposed requires enrollment in the DUI program reported to the DMV by an approved program (a refusal suspension cannot be cured and under 21 need to apply for a critical need license with the Court and DMV to qualify for a restricted license.) This enrollment is not as of the date of sign up, but only after attendance at the orientation class which can be a couple weeks to a couple months after sign up. That is why individuals arrested for DUI facing a suspension should get in the program as soon as possible after an arrest in order to attend the orientation as soon as possible before any suspension takes effect. Otherwise, if you wait until conviction or the administrative suspension, it will be weeks before you can cure the suspension while you wait to attend an orientation and for proof of enrollment to be filed.
There are also other requirements to cure a suspension, but they only take a few days or a week to get done, like have your insurance file an SR 22 proof of insurance with DMV, get a certificate of ignition interlock device (IID) installation on your vehicle and then you can go to DMV and pay a reissue fee. You can also call DMV at (833) 543-7703 to verify suspension start dates and receipt of SR 22 insurance proof and DUI program enrollment before you wait in line at DMV. You cannot cure a suspension before it starts and DMV has the proof of enrollment from the DUI program and SR 22 from your insurance company, then you can pay your reissue fee and show IID proof required for reinstatements to drive anywhere anytime instead of work restricted only. Contacting a DUI Defense attorney can help you navigate the Court and DMV so you get the best resolution possible.