How to Get Your Driver's License Back After a Maine DUI Conviction

 

In the state of Maine, a DUI is actually called an OUI, which stands for Operating Under the Influence. If you have received a conviction for an OUI, one of the penalties that you will face either from the court or from the Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) is a driver’s license suspension. The length of the suspension will depend on how many previous OUI convictions you have and your level of blood alcohol. When the period is over, you will need to take steps to get your driver’s license back.

 

Getting Your Driver’s License Reinstated

 

In order to reinstate, you must wait until your period of suspension has passed. Then you can apply at the BMV. You will be charged a reinstatement fee for each offense. You will also have to show that you completed any court-ordered penalties, such as jail time, fines, and community service. You may be required to complete a driver education evaluation program (DEEP.)

 

In some cases, you will receive an administrative driver’s license suspension as well as a court-ordered driver’s license suspension. You will be required to server whichever is greater.

 

You may also have the option to shorten your suspension by opting to have an ignition interlock device installed on your car for a period of time. This device will require you to pass a breathalyzer test before the car will start, and you will be responsible for the cost of installation and maintenance.

 

To learn what the requirements are for your case, you can contact the BMV:

Bureau of Motor Vehicles
Driver License Services Division
29 State House Station
Augusta, ME 04333-0029
(207) 624-9000, Ext. 52104
TTY: (877) 456-8195
 

You can also learn more about OUI driver’s license suspensions on the BMV website.

 

Work-Restricted Driver’s License

 

In order to qualify for a work-restricted driver’s license you must show proof of hardship in getting to work or class and a valid driver’s license for at least 2 years prior. Also, the suspension must not be court-ordered. This means the suspension was an administrative action taken by the Secretary of State. To find out if that’s the case for you and how to provide the necessary proof, you can work with an experienced Maine DUI lawyer. He or she can evaluate your case to see if you can qualify and then help you put together a case to prove hardship. If you are eligible, you will be given a hearing by phone or in person.

 

Get More Information about Your Case

 

If you need more information about your case, you can call (207) 465-8195 or mail the address above. You will need to include your full name, birth date or Maine driver’s license number, and your current mailing address. If you request a record, the fee for a 3-year record is $5, and the fee for a 10-year record is $10. If you prefer to receive the information via fax, include an additional $2 and be sure to list the fax number. If you need a certified copy of the record, it will be an additional $1. The check or money order for the total amount should be made out to the Secretary of State.

 

If there were other infractions involved with your OUI charge, your situation may not follow the above procedures. There may be more steps to take. Additionally, if you have multiple DUIs, the situation can be more complicated. In these cases, it can be beneficial to work with a qualified Maine DUI lawyer who understands how the system works