A primary concern of anyone arrested for a DUI in Los Angeles is the status of their privilege to drive and the need to drive for work. Most people need to drive at least to and from work as public transportation in Los Angeles is limited at best. For some people, driving is an essential part of their job and a loss of driving privileges would result in loss of employment. It is important to contact a DUI Attorney immediately after arrest for drunk driving in Los Angeles so that contact with the DMV can be made to schedule a DMV Hearing. If the hearing is won, the DMV will set aside the suspension and driving privileges are restored in full. However, if the DMV Hearing is lost the next step is to secure a restricted license as soon as possible.

On a first offense, the period of DMV suspension in Los Angeles is four months. However, upon taking the correct steps, it is possible to obtain a restricted license after a mandatory thirty day suspension period. The period of restriction is then five months. In order to apply for a retricted license, it is necessary to enroll in an alcohol education program for a period of three months and file proof of insurance on an SR22 form. The DMV requires your insurance company to file this direct with the head office in Sacramento. Likewise, the alcohol program will, upon request, file proof of enrollment with the DMV direct. There is also a small reinstatement fee to pay before the DMV will issue a restricted license.

A restricted license allows driving to and from work, any work related driving and to and from the alcohol program.

A restricted license is not available to a person who has been suspended for a full year for refusing to take a chemical test.

For second or third time DUI Offenders, restricted license privileges are available but only after a full year of license suspension and different conditions apply.

If you have any questions about your eligibility for a restricted license, please call Los Angeles DUI and DMV defense lawyers, Gold and Witham.