What can you do to get your license back after a DUI?
For many people, losing driving privileges after a DUI charge can be the most difficult consequence to deal with. After all, driving is most likely your primary form of transportation, whether you are going to work or getting groceries.
Unfortunately, you cannot just take to the road again once the revocation or suspension period is up. There are several requirements you must fulfill to regain your driver’s license and driving privileges.
Here are three things that you must consider specifically.
1. You must first apply for reinstatement
As of 2018, the process of applying for license reinstatement has become more convenient. The Tennessee Department of Safety & Homeland Security now allows individuals to apply for reinstatement:
- In-person
- By mail
- Online
However, to determine which method of reinstatement you are eligible for, you should contact the Reinstatement Call Center listed on the Tennessee Department of Safety & Homeland Security Website. Regardless of how you apply for reinstatement, you must ensure you provide the proper documents required to reinstate your license.
Additionally, you must also pay the necessary fees.
2. You can arrange a payment plan for the reinstatement fees
As we have discussed in past blog posts, reinstating your license can be expensive.
Thankfully, you do not have to pay the total fees all at once. If you owe more than $200 in reinstatement fees and satisfy all other requirements for reinstatement, then you may qualify for an installment plan. However, it is important to note that your license and driving privileges will not be reinstated until:
- You pay the fees in entirety; and
- The Tennessee Department of Safety & Homeland Security processes your documents.
You can monitor the progress of your reinstatement – and the fees left to pay – online.
3. You might have more steps ahead
In some cases, the application and fee payments might not be the only steps you have to take. Depending on the requirements set by the court or the DUI charges you faced, you might also have to:
- Install an ignition interlock device, often with a restricted driver license;
- Complete alcohol treatment courses; or
- Take the Driver’s Exam again, in extreme circumstances.
The requirements can be stringent, but it is possible to regain your driving privileges. In these cases, you should consult an experienced attorney to ensure you fulfill these requirements efficiently and get your life back to normal as soon as possible.