When you get arrested or convicted of a DUI in the state of California, your ability to operate a motor vehicle in the state immediately becomes a bit more complex. The arresting officer is required to immediately suspend or revoke your driver’s license upon arrest, and should the DMV investigation of the event uphold the suspension or revocation of your license, your driving privileges will be put on hold. It’s important to note that even if your blood alcohol content is below the legal limit, you still may be arrested for DUI if you fail to pass the field sobriety test or if the police officer perceives you to be intoxicated and feels that you shouldn’t be in operation of a motor vehicle.
You’ll need a good DUI attorney on your side to help set up and contest the revocation of your driving privileges as nearly 90% of cases that are not contested with the DMV are upheld and result in loss of driving privileges.
In order to have your driver’s license reinstated in the state of California, you will be required to show proof of SR-22 insurance. SR-22 insurance is a high risk policy that is required of drivers in California who have been arrested or convicted of a DUI or drunk driving offense.
You SR-22 insurance provider will be required to notify the DMV of a lapse in your coverage for any reason and if a lapse occurs, your license will immediately be suspended again. If you are late on payments, if you let your insurance lapse or even if you switch from one provider to another during the three years that you’ll be required to show proof of California SR-22 coverage and you policy lapses for as little as one day your license will be suspended.
Not all states require SR-22 coverage for persons who have been arrested for a DUI, but the state of California is very serious in regards to SR-22 laws. IF you’ve been arrested or convicted of a DUI or drunk driving related offense in California, you need a good DUI lawyer to help you through the process and to ensure that you understand all of the ins and outs involved in the reinstatement of your driving privileges and the laws concerning California SR-22 insurance.