There are numerous reasons why someone’s Florida driver’s license might be suspended or revoked, some that are well-known and some that are not so well-known.
The reasons for suspensions and revocations include failing to pay child support, having too many points on one’s driving record, unpaid traffic tickets, failing to complete Driver Improvement School, using a fraudulent driver license, being labeled a “habitual traffic offender” and of course the most obvious: driving under the influence.
If you are facing DUI charges, you’re probably wondering how long your driver’s license would be suspended or revoked if you’re found guilty. Here is what you need to know:
- A first DUI offense without bodily injury will lead to minimum 180-day license revocation.
- A first DUI offense with bodily injury leads to a minimum revocation for three years.
- DUI manslaughter means a mandatory permanent license revocation, but after five years the individual may be entitled to a hardship revocation if the person has no prior DUIs.
Commercial Motor Vehicle DUI Convictions
If someone is licensed to operate a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) and he or she is convicted of DUI, they can be disqualified from operating a CMV for one year under the following situations:
- The individual is convicted of driving a CMV with a blood alcohol level (BAL) of .04% or above.
- The individual drove a CMV while under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance or he or she refused to take a chemical test (blood, breath or urine test) to determine their BAL.
- The person drove a CMV while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or they drove a CMV while they possessed a controlled substance.
Related: How Does a Florida DUI Affect Insurance?
Note: If someone is disqualified from operating a CMV due to any of the above violations, they cannot obtain a hardship license (where they can drive for business or employment purposes). If a CMV operator is convicted of a second DUI, he or she will be permanently disqualified from operating a commercial.