Having a driver’s license is often a crucial part of being an adult and may be necessary for your job, family life and other hobbies you enjoy. In Pennsylvania, it is possible to lose your driver’s license after a DUI, but there are circumstances under which you can have it restored.

If you were recently arrested for a DUI, it is possible that one of the consequences imposed by the court was to suspend your driver’s license. Driver’s license suspension does not happen in all instances, but where a driver’s blood alcohol level is high enough or there are prior offenses, suspension is possible. In Pennsylvania, if a driver is pulled over with a blood alcohol content of .10 percent or higher, their driver’s license will be suspended for at least one year, and possibly longer. This suspension cannot be appealed in Pennsylvania –t the full minimum suspension period must be served before restoring your driver’s license.

Once the suspension period is complete, a driver can seek to have their driver’s license restored with the state. A driver must apply for restoration (also known as reinstatement) and meet a series of requirements that include:

  • Paying all fines related to the driver’s license suspension
  • Paying a driver’s license reinstatement fee
  • Attending an alcohol treatment program

Individuals who have had more than one DUI offense may also be required to install an ignition interlock device in their vehicle for a set period of time. In total, these requirements can be quite costly. This means that drivers may not only face significant restrictions on their freedom during the time their license is suspended, but also need to save up the money necessary to pay for all the restoration costs. Drivers should also be aware that, because each driver’s circumstance is unique, they will receive a driver’s license restoration requirements letter from the state at least 30 days in advance of their suspension expiring. This letter will set forth the precise requirements they must meet, including the steps above, before having their driver’s license restored.

If you currently have a suspended driver’s license and are getting close to the expiration of your suspension or have recently received a restoration requirements letter, you may want to speak with an experienced traffic violations attorney to help guide you through the restoration process. A traffic violations attorney can review your restoration requirement letter and guide you through the necessary steps.

At Matthew R. Zatko, Attorney at Law in Somerset, I frequently advise clients on DUI proceedings, including the process of restoring a driver’s license, and can answer any questions you may have. To set up a time to speak with me, please call 814-443-1631 or contact me online.