Driving under the influence (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) is a serious offense that can have long-lasting consequences. One of the most significant consequences is the impact on your driver's license. If you are facing DUI/DWI charges, it's important to understand the immediate, criminal, and long-term consequences of a conviction on your driver's license.Â
In this legal guide, we will explore the different ways in which a DUI/DWI can affect your driver's license. We will also provide information on the steps you can take to minimize the consequences and protect your driving privileges.
If you are arrested for DUI/DWI, you may face immediate license consequences. One of these consequences is an administrative license suspension (ALS) which occurs when you fail or refuse a blood alcohol content (BAC) test. This means your driver's license is suspended even before your criminal case goes to trial.Â
You have the right to challenge an ALS, but it's important to act quickly, as there are strict time limits. In some cases, the court may require you to install an ignition interlock device (IID) in your vehicle as a condition of keeping your driving privileges.Â
Another option for those facing license suspension is to obtain a restricted license, which allows you to drive to and from work, school, and medical appointments. It's crucial to understand these immediate license consequences and the available options for challenging them or obtaining a restricted license.
In addition to immediate license consequences, a DUI/DWI conviction can result in criminal penalties and long-term license consequences. The length of license suspension/revocation will vary depending on the state and the offense. For example, a first-time DUI conviction may result in a license suspension of 90 days to one year, while a second or subsequent conviction may result in a longer suspension or even license revocation. Repeat offenders may face permanent license revocation in some states.Â
If your license is suspended or revoked, you may be eligible for a hardship or occupational license, which allows you to drive for certain purposes. It's important to understand the potential criminal penalties and license consequences of a DUI/DWI conviction and to consult with an experienced DUI/DWI defense attorney to explore your options and protect your driving privileges.
Below, you’ll find a table explaining the minimum license suspension guidelines for a first DUI/DWI offense in each state in the U.S.
| State | Minimum License Suspension for First Offense |
| Alabama | 90 Days or Ignition Interlock Device for 6 months |
| Alaska | 90 days (restricted license available after 30 days) |
| Arizona | 90 days (restricted license possible) |
| Arkansas | 6 months |
| California | 4 months administrative suspension
6 months criminal suspension |
| Colorado | 90 day administrative suspension
9 month criminal suspension |
| Connecticut | 45 days (restricted license possible) |
| Delaware | 3 month administrative suspension
12 to 24 month criminal suspension depending on BAC |
| District of Columbia | 6 months |
| Florida | 180 days (restricted license possible) |
| Georgia | 1 year (restricted license possible) |
| Hawaii | 90 days (restricted license possible) |
| Idaho | 90 days (restricted license possible after 30 days) |
| Illinois | 6 month administrative suspension
1 year criminal suspension (restricted license Possible) |
| Indiana | 180 day administrative suspension (restricted license possible) |
| Iowa | 180 days (restricted license possible) |
| Kansas | 30 days + restricted license for 180 days |
| Kentucky | 30 days (restricted license possible) |
| Louisiana | 90 days (restricted license possible after 30 days) |
| Maine | 150 days (restricted license possible after 30 days) |
| Maryland | 180 days (or ignition interlock device) |
| Massachusetts | 1 year (restricted license possible after 3 months) |
| Michigan | 30 days + restricted license for 150 days |
| Minnesota | 90 days (restricted license possible) |
| Mississippi | 120 days (restricted license possible) |
| Missouri | 30 days + restricted license for 60 days |
| Montana | 6 months (restricted license possible) |
| Nebraska | 6 months (restricted license possible) |
| Nevada | 90 days (restricted license possible) |
| New Hampshire | 6 month administrative suspension
9 months criminal suspension (restricted license possible) |
| New Jersey | 3 months (restricted license possible) |
| New Mexico | 6 months |
| New York | 6 months (restricted license possible) |
| North Carolina | 30 day administrative suspension
1 year criminal suspension (restricted license possible) |
| North Dakota | 90 days (restricted license possible) |
| Ohio | 90 day administrative suspension
1 year criminal suspension (restricted license possible) |
| Oklahoma | 180 days (restricted license possible) |
| Oregon | 90 day administrative suspension
1 year criminal suspension |
| Pennsylvania | None |
| Rhode Island | 30 days |
| South Carolina | 6 months (restricted license possible) |
| South Dakota | 30 days (restricted license possible) |
| Tennessee | 1 year (restricted license possible) |
| Texas | 90 days (restricted license possible) |
| Utah | 120 days (restricted license possible) |
| Vermont | 90 days (restricted license possible) |
| Virginia | 7 day administrative suspension
1 year criminal revocation (restricted license possible) |
| Washington | 90 days (restricted license possible) |
| West Virginia | 6-month revocation or 15-day revocation +120-day restricted license |
| Wisconsin | 6 months (restricted license possible) |
| Wyoming | 90 days (restricted license possible) |
The consequences of a DUI/DWI conviction can extend beyond just the criminal penalties and immediate license consequences. Some of the long-term consequences include:
It's important to understand these potential long-term consequences and to take steps to minimize their impact, such as seeking treatment for alcohol addiction or abuse and consulting with an attorney to explore options for expungement or other legal remedies.
If you are facing DUI/DWI charges, there are steps you can take to minimize the impact on your driver's license. Hiring an experienced DUI/DWI defense attorney is essential to protecting your driving privileges and minimizing the consequences of a conviction. An attorney can help you challenge an administrative license suspension, negotiate plea agreements, and explore options for obtaining a restricted or hardship license.Â
Seeking treatment for alcohol addiction or abuse may also be helpful in mitigating the consequences of a DUI/DWI conviction. Finally, it's important to follow all court orders and requirements to avoid further penalties or license suspension/revocation. Taking these steps can help minimize the impact of a DUI/DWI conviction on your driver's license and your life.
A DUI/DWI conviction can have severe consequences on your driver's license, including immediate administrative license suspension, criminal penalties, and long-term consequences such as increased car insurance premiums, employment and housing difficulties, and professional consequences. It’s essential to understand the potential consequences and take steps to minimize their impact, such as hiring an experienced DUI/DWI defense attorney, seeking treatment for alcohol addiction or abuse, and following court orders and requirements. By taking these steps, you can protect your driving privileges and minimize the impact of a DUI/DWI conviction on your life.
