What is Needed to Reinstate Your License in TN?

If your driver’s license has been suspended in response to a DUI conviction, it can have serious consequences in your life that include making it more difficult to make a living or even to see your children if you have child custody orders. There are, however, instances when a driver’s license can be reinstated, and an experienced Tennessee DUI defense attorney can help.

Your Driver’s License Suspension

There are a range of requirements associated with reinstating your driver’s license in Tennessee, and they vary depending on the underlying issue that led to the driver’s license suspension. A common charge underlying suspensions, however, is driving under the influence – or DUI. The length of the suspension depends on whether the DUI was your first. Consider the following:

• A first DUI conviction carries a one-year driver’s license suspension.
• A second DUI conviction carries a two-year driver’s license suspension.
• A third DUI conviction carries a six-year driver’s license suspension.
• A fourth or subsequent DUI conviction carries an eight-year driver’s license suspension.

The Requirements of Reinstatement

The requirements for having your driver’s license reinstated in Tennessee include the following:

• Serve the mandatory suspension period associated with your charge.
• The installation of the required ignition interlock device.
• Provide certification that you have fulfilled all court requirements.
• Show proof that you carry the required SR-22 insurance, which is a specific form of liability insurance for those convicted of moving violations like DUI.
• Show proof that you surrendered your driver’s license within 20 days of suspension. Failure to surrender adds an additional $75 fee.
• Pay the reinstatement fee of $103, the SR-22 fee of $50, and the failure to surrender license fee of $75 as applicable.
• Provide your drug or alcohol certification as applicable.

While the path forward toward having your license reinstated is legally challenging. A focused DUI defense attorney is standing by to help.

Seeking a Restricted License

If your driver’s license has been suspended in Tennessee, you can seek a restricted license – or hardship license. The goal behind these licenses is to allow those who’ve lost their driving privileges to keep up with their primary obligations that require driving, such as employment and parenting duties. Ultimately, each case is determined at the discretion of the attending judge.

The basic requirements for a restricted license include the following steps:

• Submit an application through the court, which will trigger a hearing – at which your seasoned DUI defense attorney will present a strong case regarding how your inability to drive could jeopardize your career, your education, or your familial obligations.
• Obtain a court order that allows you to pursue a restricted driver’s license.
• Obtain the SR-22 insurance required of you.
• Pay the required licensing and application fees.
• If required, have an ignition interlock device installed in your vehicle.

A Tennessee DUI Defense Attorney Is on Your Side

Josh Crain at The Law Offices of Joshua T. Crain is an accomplished Tennessee DUI defense attorney who recognizes how important it is for you to have a driver’s license and will fiercely advocate for a resolution that works well for you. To learn more, please contact us online or call 615-697-6178 today.