When a motorist has their license revoked because of an alcohol conviction (misdemeanor or felony), the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) has implemented a policy in which they review the motorist’s lifetime driving record.If this review reveals a history of prior alcohol convictions, the DMV will implement additional re-licensing restrictions in addition to those imposed by the sentencing court. Depending on the number of prior alcohol convictions, this review can result in additional revocation up to, and including, a lifetime denial of re-licensing.
Five or more drug or alcohol driving convictions can result in the motorist being designated as a persistently dangerous driver. This will result in a permanent denial of re-licensing. The motorist is entitled to a hearing to establish compelling or extenuating circumstances to justify re-licensing. (Good luck with that).
Three or four drug or alcohol driving offenses plus one serious driving offense in 25 years will result in permanent denial of re-licensing. Serious driving offenses are defined as:
- Fatal accident
- Driving related penal conviction
- Conviction of two or more high point violations
A high point violation is any violation for which five or more points are assessed on a person’s driving record within the 25 year look back period. (Note: a cell phone conviction is a five point violation, and a speeding ticket for 21 MPH over the speed limit is a six point violation). Continue reading