The day of the arrest
The administrative suspension process begins with the arrest. It is handled by DHSMV and runs separately from the criminal case in county court.
Days 1 to 10: the request window
There are 10 days from the arrest to request a formal review hearing. If no request is made, the suspension takes effect.
The formal review hearing
When a hearing is requested in time, a DHSMV hearing officer reviews the suspension. The hearing does not decide the criminal case, and the criminal case does not decide the hearing.
Refusal suspensions
A first refusal of a lawful breath test leads to a one year administrative suspension. A second refusal leads to an 18 month suspension and a first degree misdemeanor charge.
Revocation after a conviction
A conviction brings its own revocation through the criminal case: 180 days to 1 year for a first DUI, at least 5 years for a second within 5 years, and at least 10 years for a third within 10 years.
Hardship license
A hardship or business purposes only license may be available during some suspensions. Eligibility depends on the type of suspension and the driver's record, and DUI school enrollment is part of the process.
Reinstatement
Getting a full license back after a DUI conviction involves DUI school, FR-44 proof of insurance with higher liability limits than standard coverage and, after certain convictions, an ignition interlock device.
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