Driver's License Suspensions
In most cases, the person arrested for drunk driving will have his license confiscated by the officer if he (1) takes a breath test showing .08% blood-alcohol or higher, (2) gives a blood or urine sample which will be analyzed later, or (3) refuses to be tested. He will also be given a pink sheet of paper which serves as both a notice of suspension and a 30-day temporary license. (For out-of-state drivers, the license will not be seized and the suspension will only be of the privilege to drive within California.)
It is critically important to CALL THE DMV WITHIN 10 DAYS OF THE ARREST to request a hearing to contest the suspension; failure to do so will result in the suspension taking effect 30 days after the arrest. Requesting a hearing will also result in an extension of the 30-day temporary license, usually for another month or two depending upon when the hearing is held. Nothing is lost by requesting a hearing and a good DUI attorney has a fair chance of getting the suspension thrown out.
Get a Copy of Your California DMV Record
The Department of Motor Vehicles (California DMV) keeps your driving record for about ten years. You can obtain a copy of your California driving record by following the instructions on this site.
The Statutory DMV License Suspension Laws
The DMV's policies and procedures is quite complex. Typically, a first time offense with a blood-alcohol of .08% or greater will result in a license suspension of four months. A refusal to submit to chemical testing will increase the suspension to a full year. There is a zero tolerance policy for those under the age of 21. A one year suspension will be the result of a blood-alcohol level of .01% or greater. Second time offense also results in a one year license suspension. A refusal to submit to a chemical test will result in a two year suspension for those under the age of 21.
DMV License Suspensions for Drunk Driving in Los Angeles
The Los Angeles DUI lawyer who wrote the leading drunk driving defense book explains the laws and procedures involved in challenging the DUI driver's license suspension.
The National Driver Registry
States use the National Driver Registry to obtain the suspect's driving record in all previous living locations.