WHERE CAN YOU DRIVE ON A DUI RESTRICTED LICENSE?

---

SUSPENDED LICENSE

The DMV issues various DUI related suspensions. The suspensions vary due to whether a person was on DUI probation, had at least one prior DUI, whether the person voluntarily submitted to a chemical test, and what county the person received his/her DUI.

RESTRICTED LICENSE

If a person is on court ordered probation for a DUI, he or she will only be eligible for a restricted license if the DMV does not find that the person was on DUI probation. When on DUI probation, one of the terms of the probation is that the people not drive with any alcohol in his or her system.

The person must wait a year before he or she can drive. However, if the DMV does not find that the person was on probation for a prior DUI, then the person must wait three to six months before applying for a restricted license. Once the application is granted that person can drive to work, do all work related driving, and drive to the alcohol program.

REFUSALS

If the DMV makes a finding that a person refused to provide a chemical sample then that person will have much difficulty driving. The DMV does not allow restricted licenses for anyone who refused to submit to a chemical test or is required to take a forced blood test. So, if the DMV makes either of these findings the person will not be allowed to drive under any restrictions for a period of one to three years.

ON DUI PROBATION/ UNDER 21

If however, a person has not been determined by the DMV to be on DUI probation or to have refused to submit to a chemical test or forced to submit to a chemical test, that person will be allowed to drive with a restricted license. The restriction will allow the person to do all work related driving and well as alcohol related driving. If under 21 when the DUI was committed, the restriction will also allow the person to drive to school.

PILOT COUNTIES

Additionally, if the person was convicted of a DUI in Tulare, Alameda, Los Angeles, or Sacramento Counties, the person must install an ignition interlock device in his or her car. Once the IID is installed the person can drive where ever he or she wants so long as the car is equipped with the IID.

PERSONAL ERRANDS

Restricted licenses do not allow driving to medical appointments, child visitation hearing, grocery runs, etc. The only exception to this is that if these services were performed as part of a person’s employment. This restriction is enforced on the honor system. In other words, the DMV assumes that one is driving within his or her restriction once the restricted license is granted.

In conclusion, the DMV will only allow a person to drive with a restricted license based on certain factors. If granted, the restriction is mostly for employment related driving as well as driving to an alcohol program.