Ventura DUI – Restricted License

One of the immediate concerns of anyone facing a Ventura DUI is getting a restricted license as soon as possible. When you are eligible for that restricted license depends on couple of factors, including whether or not you have any prior DUI convictions or refused a chemical test. Requesting a DMV hearing within 10 days allows you to continue driving and gives you a chance to fight to keep your license. Without a DMV hearing, you license will automatically be suspended, and the soonest you can be eligible to apply for a restricted license is after 30 days of no legal driving.

Restricted License Requirements – Alcohol School, SR-22 Insurance        

There are two requirements for getting a restricted license. First, you must be enrolled in the appropriate drinking driver program, and DMV must have proof of your enrollment. Second, you must obtain SR-22 insurance, which also must be filed with DMV. Once these requirements have been met, and you have waited the appropriate time period, you may go to DMV and pay the reissue fee.

To, From, and During Work

The main benefit of the restricted license is that authorizes you to drive to and from work, and during work for work purposes. The restricted license will not mention where you work or what your schedule is, and your work will not be notified. If you are self-employed, or if your job requires you to drive to a number of locations, it is imperative that you have proof that your driving is work related.

To and From Alcohol School

The restricted license also authorizes you to drive to and from alcohol school.

What It Doesn't Cover

The law is very specific with respect to a restricted driver's license, and does not permit you to drive anywhere other than work and alcohol school. As a result, the restricted license does not allow driving for doctor's appointments, your children's school, the grocery store, or anywhere else.

Ventura DUI Attorney Jasen Nielsen

My first order of business when anyone contacts me after being arrested for a DUI in Ventura County is to contact DMV to request a hearing. I always contact DMV via fax, and thus have written proof that the request was made within 10 days of arrest. This allows my clients to continue to drive for much longer than the 30 day temporary license, and gives us a chance to fight the license suspension. Additionally, in those cases that cannot be won, it allows my clients to prepare for the possibility of a license suspension and to sometimes delay it for a more opportune time.

In the event that a license suspension may be inevitable, I help my clients take all the necessary steps to get the restricted license as soon as possible. If you have been arrested for a DUI in Ventura County and have concerns about your driver's license, please call me today at (805)564-4DUI for a free consultation.