The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or the court may suspend your license after some arrests or convictions. It’s illegal to drive on a suspended license in California. So, how can you find out if your license is suspended in California?
In some cases, a police officer may tell you about a suspension at the time of your arrest, providing you with a slip of paper detailing the information. The judge may also tell you at your sentencing. You can also go to the local DMV to ask, send a letter to get the information or check online.
You can learn more about your options with a Los Angeles DUI lawyer. Our team can provide more details when you call or fill out our online contact form.
How Do You Know About an Administrative License Suspension?
The DMV can suspend your license automatically after an arrest for driving under the influence (DUI). The administrative suspension process starts as soon as the police arrest you. Why does the California DMV automatically give administrative suspensions after a DUI arrest?
The DMV takes this step because California considers driving under the influence dangerous. Usually, the police will take away your license on the spot. It’s a routine part of “booking” someone at the station.
If the police take your license, they should give you:
- A pink sheet of paper that serves as a temporary license for 30 days
- A written notice that you have only 10 days to request a hearing with the DMV, or else the DMV will suspend your license
Unfortunately, police don’t always do this. If the officer forgets, you should receive written notice from the DMV within several days of your arrest. If this doesn’t come, or you’re unsure you received it, the DMV will suspend your license after 30 days.
Can You Fight an Administrative Suspension?
You can request an administrative hearing with the DMV within 10 days of your arrest, potentially protecting your driving privileges. Talk to an experienced attorney immediately and ask them to file your hearing request. If you received no notice, you may be able to fight it.
How Do You Know if Your License Was Suspended as Part of Your DUI Sentence?
Judges often order a license suspension as a penalty for driving under the influence of alcohol. The judge will inform you of your suspension at your sentencing. Usually, the court will ask you to sign paperwork regarding your sentence that includes information about your license status.
A DUI conviction can also result in:
- Jail time
- Fines
- Orders to attend DUI school
- Orders to install an ignition interlock device (IID) on your vehicle
A criminal defense attorney can help you face DUI charges, striving to protect your best interests and your driving privileges.
Will California Suspend Your License for Other Reasons?
California may suspend your right to operate a motor vehicle for other reasons. Common reasons for a suspension include:
- Driving without insurance
- Committing a traffic violation
- Failing to appear in court for a traffic ticket
- Failing to report an accident
- Too many points on your driving record
- Failure to make child support payments
The court may allow you to continue driving on a restricted license in some cases.
How Can You Check Your License if You Aren’t Sure About a Suspension?
Since license suspension rules are complex, you have questions about the status of your driving privileges. If you lose your paperwork, you must ask about your status. You can find out by contacting the DMV, but in most cases, they will not simply tell you over the phone.
You must request a copy of your driver record. You have three methods to find out if you have a suspended license through your driver’s record:
Request a Copy of Your Driver’s Record Online
Regardless of the reasons for license suspension, you can create an online DMV account and request information as the agency handles driver’s records requests. You’ll have to pay a fee to see the information through online services.
Order a Copy Through the Mail
The DMV allows you to print form INF1125, complete it, and mail it in to get a copy of your driving record. You’ll need to include a payment to get your information.
Visit the DMV
You can also complete form INF1125 and bring it to your local DMV. The DMV charges a fee to process the form and provide your records.
How Do You Get Your License Reinstated After a DUI?
You’ll need to take several steps to get your license reinstated after a DUI conviction. You can go through the reinstatement process as you:
Complete the Suspension Period
The first step is to complete your mandatory suspension period, which will be at least six months and can be much longer. You will get more information about this period of time at your sentencing.
Complete a DUI Program
You’ll need to show proof of enrollment in a DUI treatment program or traffic school and a certificate of completion, also known as a DL-101, from the program.
Obtain an SR-22 Form
You’ll also need to file a Proof of Financial Responsibility form (SR-22). DUI convicts have higher insurance minimums, and the SR-22 is proof of insurance and shows that you’re paying for more coverage.
Pay a Reinstatement Fee
Finally, you’ll need to pay a reissue fee. For adults, this is $125. Minors suspended for underage drinking under the Zero Tolerance Law have to pay $100. As you can see, there are many hoops to jump through to complete license reinstatement. It’s far better not to get suspended at all!
Determine if You Have a Suspended License in California with Legal Help
How can you find out if your license is suspended in California? The police, DMV, or court system should inform you of any suspension of your driving license. However, this information may slip through the cracks in some situations.
You can get information by sending a letter to the DMV or going through the DMV’s online system. You may also go directly to the DMV office. A lawyer can provide valuable guidance about your situation or help you avoid a DUI conviction.
You can learn more by calling or completing our online contact form.