DUI Arrest-The Impact on Driving

Posted Tuesday, October 13, 2015 by Andrew Charles Huff

As a DUI attorney, I know the potential impact on your employment if convicted or even charged with a DUI. Most people need to drive to get to work, school, errands, or just visiting friends. If you are arrested for a DUI, you face two potential license actions: (1) an administrative suspension by the Department of Licensing and (2) by court action if you are subsequently convicted of DUI .

Most drivers are eligible for an ignition interlock license that will allow you to drive during your suspension period if your vehicle is equipped with an ignition interlock device and have an “SR22” insurance policy.

One exception to the ignition interlock device requirement is for vehicles owned, leased or rented by a person’s employer and driven at the direction of the employer as a requirement of employment during working hours. However, this exception does not apply to those renting vehicles for work purposes when travelling on business or a real estate agent driving his/her personal vehicle to show houses to a client.

Another issue clients can face is renting a vehicle when traveling for work due to the hole punched in your license by the arresting officer. Remember, when arrested for DUI with a breath test of .08 or higher or a refusal, the department of licensing issues a license suspension or revocation that becomes effective 60 days later. The hole punched in your license signifies that your license will expire (and be suspended or revoked) effective 60 days after the arrest. Although your privilege to drive remains valid during this 60 day period, this hole makes the license look invalid and car rental companies may choose not to rent vehicles to such individuals. This can be quite an unpleasant surprise to the unsuspecting business traveler who has been arrested for DUI (not convicted or charged) and whose license has a hole punched in it.