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

 

As someone who has been convicted of a Utah DUI, you will have your driver’s license suspended for 120 days to 3 years, depending on your situation. Even if you haven’t been convicted, the driver license division can still suspend your driver’s license for a period of time. Be aware that any court-ordered driver license suspension is in additional to the Driver License Division suspension.

 

Without your driving privileges, you will likely face hardships getting around for work, errands, schooling, etc. When it comes time for your driver’s license suspension to end, you cannot simply begin driving again. You will need to meet certain requirements and follow the appropriate procedures.

 

Steps to Getting Your Driver’s License Reinstated in Utah

 

You must pay all court-imposed fines and a reinstatement fee of $65 as well as an administrative fee of $170. They accept cash, checks, money orders, and credit cards in all offices. You will also need to meet all requirements as set out by the court. This can include jail time, community service hours, drug and alcohol counseling, and fines.

 

Forms for reinstatement are available at driver’s license field offices. In some cases, you may have to have an ignition interlock device installed on your vehicle for a specified period of time.

 

Ignition Interlock Device Requirements

 

If you are ordered to have an ignition interlock device installed on your car, then you will be responsible for paying for the installation as well as the maintenance. The device works by requiring that you pass a breath test before the engine will start. Then as you drive, it will periodically ask you to pass more tests, sound an alarm if you fail. It will continue to sound until you pull over and turn off the car. Any failed tests will be recorded by the device as well as any attempts to tamper with or disable the device. This data can result in additional penalties, such as a longer driver’s license suspension.

 

Limited Driver’s License

 

In some cases, you may be eligible for a driver’s license that allows you to drive in certain circumstances, such as to and from work or school. Generally, you must be violation free for at least a year prior, but you can work with a Utah DUI attorney to find out if you meet the requirements. You may have to show that your livelihood depends on your ability to drive. For example, there is no public transportation route available in your area and you have no other way to get to work. Remember, the court and Driver License Disision are concerned about protecting the public safety, so it can be to your advantage to show how you are seeking help for any alcohol problems. It can also help to have a Utah DUI attorney work with you to present a case to show your hardship. In some cases, you will be given an “alcohol restricted” license which means you cannot have any alcohol in your system when you are driving.

 

Have More Questions about Driver’s License Reinstatement in Utah?

 

In some circumstances, such as cases involving past DUI convictions, very high blood alcohol content, a fatality, or a minor in the vehicle, talking to a Utah DUI attorney can be helpful. He or she understands how the system works and can help you to protect your interests.

 

You can also get more information about your case by contacting the Utah Motor Vehicle Office near you. You can find phone, email, addresses, and hours of operation on their website here.