How many DUIs until you permanently lose your license?
A driving under the influence (DUI) charge is a serious crime. In addition to fines and jail time, drunk driving can jeopardize your driving privileges. So, just how many DUIs can you get before you permanently lose your license?
Multiple DUIs could cause you to lose your license– but not as permanently as you might think
In short, whether or not you permanently lose your license after repeated DUIs depends on the specifics of your crimes. For instance, if you blow just over the legal limit four times spaced out over 10 years, you may never lose your license. You will, however, receive a suspension every time.
The consequences of a DUI depend on multiple factors, including but not limited to these:
- Repeat violations
- Blood alcohol concentration (BAC)
- Injury, death, or property destruction
- Refusal of a breathalyzer or standard field sobriety test (SFST)
- Jurisdiction
In some jurisdictions, one or two drunk driving charges are enough to lose your license permanently. However, Chudnovsky Law says other states and jurisdictions won’t permanently strip your driving privileges until your third, fourth, or more.
For instance, a Deleware man recently racked up his fifth drunk driving charge after running from police. The combination of a fifth charge and his attempts to drunkenly run from the cops landed the offender in prison.
It might seem prudent to take that driver’s license away for good. However, Delaware lawyer Michael W. Modica says the state mandates a 60-month license suspension after a fourth or subsequent violation. Consequently, that offender might get their license back after their prison sentence and suspension period.
A judge may also revoke your license for multiple DUIs. A revocation is a permanent suspension. Still, if a driver meets specific criteria, like time without further law-breaking, the court may reinstate their driver’s license. Also, if your drunk driving crime includes death or serious injury, a judge may suspend your license for longer or revoke it altogether.
How can you avoid losing your license? It’s simple. Don’t drink and drive. Make sure you have a plan. If you have had any alcohol, don’t get behind the wheel.
