Administrative License Suspension

Drivers who are arrested for drunken driving and either refuse to submit to a chemical test of their blood, urine or breath or who submit to the tests and have a BAC or blood alcohol concentration of 0.08% or higher can face an administrative license suspension (ALS). Under an administrative license suspension the driver's license is immediately suspended. The administrative license suspension hearing is separate from any type of additional criminal proceedings which may be brought by the state against the driver.

Administrative drivers license suspensions for first time offenders (in some states) may be for as little as 30-90 days. Repeat offenders who have previous DUI convictions or severe driving offenses may have their driver's license suspended for years. Administrative license suspensions can be challenged, but the appeal must be filed within a specified time period, which can vary by state. Administrative license suspension appeals do not guarantee the ALS will be dismissed, but it will give the driver and their DUI lawyer an opportunity to plead their DUI case.