How Long Your License Gets Suspended After a DUI Conviction

License suspension length depends on your state, whether it's a first offense, and whether you refused a breath test

A DUI conviction triggers an automatic license suspension, but the length varies significantly by state and your specific circumstances. Most states suspend licenses for three months to one year on a first offense, though some go longer. A few states impose a hard suspension — you cannot drive at all during this period — while others offer a restricted or "hardship" license that lets you drive to work or school. The suspension clock usually starts when you're arrested or convicted, not when you're sentenced, so the time you've already served in custody may count toward it.

Refusing a breath or blood test often triggers a separate, longer suspension than the DUI conviction itself. In many states, a refusal suspension runs parallel to the conviction suspension, meaning both happen at the same time rather than one after the other. In others, the refusal suspension is longer and extends beyond the conviction suspension. You need to know which applies in your state because the total time you cannot drive depends on how these two suspensions stack.

Key Takeaways

First-offense DUI suspensions typically last three months to one year, but your state's law and whether you refused a test determine the exact length.
A breath or blood test refusal usually triggers a separate suspension that is longer than the conviction suspension alone, and the two may run at the same time or consecutively.
Some states allow a restricted license during suspension so you can drive to work, school, or court, while others impose a complete driving ban.
Multiple DUI convictions within a set period (often five to ten years) result in longer suspensions, sometimes measured in years rather than months.
You must contact your state's Department of Motor Vehicles or equivalent agency to learn your specific suspension length and whether you can request a restricted license.

First-offense suspension timelines by state

Suspension length for a first DUI conviction ranges from three months in some states to one year or longer in others. States like California, Colorado, and New York typically impose a six-month suspension for a first offense. Texas suspends for a minimum of 60 days. Florida and Georgia impose one year. Some states, including Washington and Oregon, distinguish between a conviction suspension and an arrest suspension — you may lose your license when ready after arrest even before trial, and that period may or may not count toward the conviction suspension.

The distinction between a conviction suspension and an administrative suspension matters because they often run on different timelines. An administrative suspension can begin within days of your arrest, based on the arrest alone, while a conviction suspension begins after you plead guilty or are found guilty. If you fight the charge and win, the administrative suspension ends but you keep your license. If you lose, the conviction suspension may start fresh or may run from the arrest date — this varies by state.

How a breath or blood test refusal changes the suspension

Refusing a breath, blood, or urine test typically results in a separate administrative suspension that is longer than the DUI conviction suspension. In many states, a first refusal triggers a one-year suspension, while a conviction alone might be six months. In others, a refusal suspension is 18 months or two years. This suspension is imposed by the DMV or equivalent agency, not by the court, and it can begin when ready after your arrest — sometimes within days — regardless of whether you are convicted.

In most states, the refusal suspension and conviction suspension run at the same time, not one after the other. This means if you refuse a test and are convicted, you lose your license for the longer of the two periods, not the sum of both. However, some states do stack these suspensions, meaning you serve the refusal suspension first, then the conviction suspension begins when the refusal suspension ends. You must check your state's law or contact the DMV to know which applies to you, because the difference can mean months of additional suspension.

Repeat offenses and longer suspensions

A second DUI within a set lookback period — typically five to ten years depending on your state — results in a significantly longer suspension. A second offense often triggers a one-year to two-year suspension, sometimes longer. A third offense within the lookback period can result in a three-year suspension or permanent revocation in some states. Some states also impose mandatory minimum jail time alongside the longer suspension, so the suspension is only one part of the penalty.

The lookback period is the window during which prior convictions count toward a repeat offense. In California, it is ten years. In Texas, it is five years. In some states, there is no lookback period at all, meaning a DUI from 20 years ago still counts as a prior offense. This matters because a second offense within the lookback period is treated much more harshly than a second offense outside it. Before you assume your suspension length, verify your state's lookback period and whether any prior DUI convictions fall within it.

Restricted licenses and hardship driving permits

Many states allow you to request a restricted or "hardship" license during your suspension, which permits you to drive to work, school, medical appointments, or court. The specific purposes vary by state — some allow driving to an alcohol treatment program, others do not. To obtain a restricted license, you typically must show that you have no other transportation option and that the hardship is genuine. You may also need to install an ignition interlock device, which requires you to pass a breath test before the car starts.

A few states impose a hard suspension with no restricted license option, at least for the first portion of the suspension period. Some allow a restricted license only after you have served a portion of the suspension — for example, the first 30 days of a six-month suspension are a hard suspension, then you can request a restricted license for the remaining five months. You must contact your state's DMV to learn whether a restricted license is available in your situation and what the process process requires.

When your suspension begins and how to verify the end date

The suspension clock typically starts on the date of your arrest or the date of your conviction, depending on whether it is an administrative suspension (from the arrest) or a conviction suspension (from the court order). Some states count time served in custody toward the suspension, so if you were jailed for 30 days after arrest, those 30 days may reduce your suspension period. Others do not count jail time, so your suspension runs from the arrest or conviction date regardless of incarceration.

You must contact your state's Department of Motor Vehicles, Secretary of State, or equivalent agency to learn your exact suspension end date. Provide your driver's license number and the date of your arrest or conviction. The DMV can tell you whether you are currently under suspension, when the suspension ends, whether a restricted license is available, and what documents you need to reinstate your license. Some states offer online lookup tools where you can check your suspension status yourself. Do not assume your suspension has ended based on a calendar calculation — verify with the DMV before you drive.

Reinstating your license after suspension ends

When your suspension period ends, your license does not automatically become valid again. You must take steps to reinstate it, which usually involves paying a reinstatement fee to the DMV. The fee varies by state, typically ranging from $50 to $300 or more. Some states require you to pass a written test or vision test before reinstatement. Others require proof that you have completed an alcohol education or treatment program before your license is restored.

If you were required to install an ignition interlock device, you must have it removed by an authorized installer and provide proof of removal to the DMV before reinstatement. Some states require you to maintain the device for a period after your suspension ends — for example, you might need to keep it installed for an additional six months even though your suspension is over. Check your court order and contact the DMV to learn all reinstatement requirements in your state before your suspension period ends, so you are not surprised by additional steps or fees.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive at all during my suspension?

That depends on your state and whether you obtained a restricted license. Some states allow no driving whatsoever during suspension. Others issue restricted licenses that permit driving to work, school, court, or medical appointments. You must contact your DMV to learn whether a restricted license is available and what the process process requires. Driving during a hard suspension is a separate criminal offense in most states.

Does time in jail count toward my suspension?

Some states credit jail time toward your suspension period, while others do not. This varies by state and sometimes by the type of suspension — an administrative suspension may count jail time differently than a conviction suspension. Check your court order or contact the DMV to learn whether time served reduces your suspension period in your state.

What happens if I drive during my suspension?

Driving with a suspended license is a separate criminal offense that can result in additional fines, jail time, and a longer suspension. In some states, a second offense of driving with a suspended license can be charged as a felony. Your insurance will also likely be cancelled, leaving you uninsured if you are caught driving.

Can I get my license back early?

Some states allow you to petition the court for an early reinstatement or a restricted license before your suspension period ends, but this is not may provide. You typically must show that you have completed an alcohol treatment program, maintained employment, and have no other traffic violations. Contact the court that handled your DUI case to learn whether early reinstatement is possible in your situation.

Do I need to take a test to get my license back?

Requirements vary by state. Some states require a written test, vision test, or both before reinstatement. Others require proof of completion of an alcohol education program. Check your court order and contact the DMV to learn all requirements for reinstatement in your state before your suspension ends.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.