A DUI license suspension can leave you feeling frustrated, stressed, and unsure of how to move forward. Driving is essential for work, family responsibilities, and daily life, and losing this privilege can disrupt everything.
Fortunately, California law provides ways to challenge or mitigate a suspension. Understanding the timelines, legal options, and DMV procedures early can make the difference between waiting months without a license or continuing to drive legally under certain restrictions.
In this guide, we’ll explain how long suspensions typically last, when they start, and practical steps you can take to protect your driving privileges while navigating the DUI process in California.
How Long is a DUI License Suspension?
The question of how long is a DUI license suspension lasts depends on factors like your blood alcohol level (BAC), prior DUI history, and whether you refused chemical testing.
- For a first DUI, the typical DMV suspension is 6 months. You may qualify for a restricted license to drive to work, school, or medical appointments.
- A first-time suspension can sometimes be shortened with an administrative hearing that successfully challenges the suspension.
- Repeat offenses or aggravated cases, such as high BAC, accidents, or injuries, may result in suspension periods ranging from one to two years.
Steps to Protect Your Driving Privileges
Challenging or mitigating a license suspension for DUI requires quick and strategic action:
- Request a DMV Hearing – You have only 10 days from the date of your arrest notice to challenge the suspension.
- Hire an Experienced Attorney – A skilled lawyer can identify procedural errors or testing mistakes that could prevent or reduce a suspension.
- Understand Restricted Licenses – Even if full suspension is unavoidable, California often allows limited driving privileges.
- Evaluate Plea Deals or Diversion Programs – For a first DUI, participation in a diversion program can reduce the suspension length and sometimes avoid a criminal conviction.
When Suspension Starts & First-Time DUI Considerations
Knowing when does license suspension start after DUI helps you plan your next steps. Typically, the suspension begins immediately after the DMV’s administrative action unless a timely hearing is requested.
Understanding this timeline allows you to take action quickly to protect your driving privileges. For a first suspension, this is the moment when legal guidance is most valuable.
Many clients are surprised to learn that the suspension clock can begin before any criminal court resolution, making early legal intervention critical. Even first-time DUI offenders may qualify for restricted driving privileges or alternative sentencing that helps them remain mobile.
Why You Need an Attorney for DUI Driver License Suspension
A DUI defense attorney is essential to navigating both the criminal and administrative aspects of a DUI case. At Wohl Criminal Defense, we have decades of experience helping clients:
- Meet strict DMV deadlines and procedures
- Challenge breathalyzer or chemical testing errors
- Negotiate plea deals to reduce charges or penalties
- Advocate for restricted licenses while criminal proceedings are ongoing
Proper legal representation can make the difference between a full suspension, a restricted license, or even dismissal of charges. An experienced attorney can identify errors in the DMV process, challenge test results, and advocate for your rights at every stage of your case.
Keep Driving Legally After a DUI
Facing a DUI license suspension doesn’t have to mean losing your freedom to drive indefinitely. With timely action, knowledge of the law, and skilled legal representation, you can reduce or even avoid the impact of a suspension.
Contact Wohl Criminal Defense today at 909‑689‑4292 to protect your rights and explore options for keeping your license. Our experienced team will guide you through every step of the process. We’ll fight to help you remain on the road legally.