REINSTATING A DRIVER’S LICENSE AFTER A SUSPENSION: PAY ATTENTION TO THE DETAILS OR PREPARE TO WAIT IN LINE AT DMV MORE THAN ONCE

 Posted on June 24, 2022 in Criminal Defense

When one is convicted of violating Vehicle Code section 23152(a) or 23152(b), or loses the DMV hearing related to a DUI arrest, a license suspension follows. Reinstating the license often involves showing DMV proof of enrollment in DUI classes, an SR-22 (a special certificate of insurance), and an IID (ignition interlock device). In their wisdom, DMV requires that the SR-22 and the proof of enrollment in DUI classes be submitted electronically from the folks who provide those things. Proof of IID, however, is done by showing a written certificate.  Once the driver has corralled all of these, they go to DMV, pay a reissue fee (not a small sum, could be as much as $250.00), and get their license reinstated. Seems easy, right?

Common pitfalls include: waiting to get into the DUI class and finding out they have a waitlist of a month or more to get enrolled, an insurance company that insists that they have sent the SR-22 to DMV when in fact this has not been done successfully, and the IID certificate not being 100% correct in the detail on the form (driver’s license number, date of install, license plate number, etc). One should always double-check all of these to make sure they are in place and in place correctly before heading down to the DMV to reinstate their license. It is frustratingly common to have DMV turn a driver away because of some failure to do the above correctly. 

Santa Cruz DUI defense lawyer John W. Thornton provides legal representation during drunk driving cases, license reinstatement hearings, and criminal cases. If you lost your license because of a DUI arrest or you are facing criminal charges, contact John W. Thornton, Attorney at Law. Call 831-426-5800 for a free consultation.