DUI Administrative Penalty Standards

A driver faces immediate administrative action—license suspension or revocation—based on the results of a chemical test or a refusal to submit to one. The DMV follows distinct thresholds that classify the administrative offense and determine the penalty.

• Driving While Ability Impaired (DWAI): A BAC of 0.05% to 0.07% is classified as DWAI, a non-criminal traffic infraction, which may lead to a license suspension for a fixed period (typically 90 days for a first offense).
• Driving While Intoxicated (DWI): A BAC of 0.08% or more constitutes DWI, and this higher threshold typically results in an immediate license revocation for a minimum period.
• Refusal to Submit to a Chemical Test: An automatic administrative license revocation for a minimum of 1 year is imposed for refusing a chemical test, alongside a mandatory civil penalty fee. This action is separate from, and in addition to, any penalty imposed for a potential criminal conviction.

Drivers with prior DUI violations or those whose actions resulted in injury face significantly harsher administrative penalties to discourage recidivism. These administrative actions underscore the state's serious stance on repeat impaired driving.

Upon an arrest for high BAC or a refusal to test, the DMV issues a "Notice of Suspension," initiating the administrative process. Drivers must act quickly to challenge the administrative penalty.

• The driver may request a hearing within a very narrow window, usually 10 to 15 days from the date of the notice, depending on the violation.
• Failure to make a timely request for an administrative hearing results in the penalty taking effect automatically, without further review.
• Administrative hearings are held at a DMV Traffic Violations Bureau (TVB) or Safety Hearing office. These proceedings are civil in nature, meaning they involve less stringent evidentiary rules than a criminal trial.

For certain drivers, a conditional license offers a limited ability to drive during a suspension period, acknowledging the practical necessities of daily life. Eligibility, however, is not automatic and requires meeting strict DMV criteria.

• To be eligible, the driver must be enrolled in the mandatory Impaired Driver Program (IDP), demonstrating a commitment to rehabilitation.
• Crucially, a conditional license is typically not available to drivers who refused a chemical test or those who caused serious injury in a DUI-related crash.
• If granted, this license permits limited, necessary driving, such as travel to and from work, school, and medical appointments, under strictly enforced conditions.

The Impaired Driver Program (IDP), formerly known as the Drinking Driver Program (DDP), is a non-negotiable step for most drivers seeking to regain their privileges after an alcohol-related incident. This program is central to the state's public safety strategy.

• The IDP consists of 7 classroom sessions spread over a total of 16 hours, focusing on education regarding alcohol and substance use and the risks of impaired driving.
• Successful completion is mandatory for a final license reinstatement or for maintaining a conditional license.
• If risk factors are identified during the program, the driver may be referred for a clinical assessment to determine the need for further treatment, ensuring the state addresses underlying substance abuse issues.

Regaining a revoked license is not immediate; it requires a formal reapplication to the DMV and the completion of minimum statutory waiting periods. The DMV retains the right to review a driver's entire history before granting a new license.

• Waiting periods for reapplication vary significantly, ranging from 6 months for a first-time misdemeanor DWI up to 5 years or more for repeat offenses or refusal cases.
• The driver must pay a license reapplication fee and, in some cases, a civil penalty fee.
• The DMV conducts a thorough review of the individual’s entire driving and criminal history. Even after the minimum waiting period has passed, the DMV may deny reissuance if the driver is deemed a persistent risk to public safety.

Strict deadlines govern the administrative response, making rapid consultation with legal counsel essential to preserve a driver's rights. Missing a deadline can result in automatic loss of driving privileges.

• Hearing Request Deadline: The tight 10–15 day window to request an administrative hearing is the first critical timeline to manage.
• Suspension for Refusal: Unless a hearing is requested and the action is temporarily stayed, a license suspension for refusing a chemical test is typically immediate.
• Presenting mitigating evidence—such as a clean long-term driving record, verifiable hardship conditions related to employment, or evidence of voluntary enrollment in treatment programs—can sometimes influence the outcome of the administrative hearing or conditional license application. Legal guidance is invaluable for clarifying procedural options and maximizing the potential for a favorable administrative result.