A guide to reinstating your driving privileges in the State of California

All cases are a little different but generally reinstatement is a four step process.

1. Finish your 30 day mandatory suspension period*
2. Enroll in the "first offender program"
3. Get an SR-22
4. Go to the DMV and pay $125.00

The DMV will then issue you a restricted drivers license that is OK for driving to and from the DUI school and during the course of employment. After a four month restriction you are eligible to return to the DMV and have you restriction removed.

• Don't go to the DMV until the DUI school has transmitted your enrollment electronically to the DMV.
• Don't buy an SR-22 until you are eligible to get your license back.

*you can opt for not driving for I think 90 days, go through the steps above and then get your unrestricted drivers license. Nobody does this except those who have no need to drive, no $'s for the course or is into social disobedience.

SB-38 program for repeat DUI

For those multiple offenders, those who violate the standard seven year probationary period with a second DUI, the DMV has conjured up the dreaded "SB-38" program. It's an 18 month program that you must complete before you can even get a restricted license. You have to go to a zillion AA meetings have "face to face" meetings with councilors, have the Mad Mothers berate you repeatedly and pay and arm and a leg for the abuse. Then you have to have a Judge sign an "Abstract" from the court that you take to the DMV and they might let you have your license back. I usually request that the prospective driver go to the DMV first and see if they can get their privileges back before they go and see the Judge. People can and will do all this to receive their california licenses.