DWI convictions can be punished by incarceration, fines, and related consequences—but if you depend on a vehicle to get around, license suspension or revocation can make your post-conviction life significantly harder. How long your license is suspended or revoked depends on your prior convictions and whether you refused a chemical test.
First DWI Conviction
If this is your first DWI offense (BAC of 0.08% or more), Missouri imposes a 90-day driver’s license suspension. Offenders may be able to choose from either a 30-day hard suspension (no driving at all) followed by restricted driving privileges or an immediate restricted license for 90 days.
Restricted driving privileges mean that you can drive to work, school, and medical appointments—nowhere else. You may also have to install an ignition interlock device (IID). Before you can regain your full driving privileges, you must complete a Substance Abuse Traffic Offender Program (SATOP), pay your reinstatement fee, and file an SR-22 insurance form.
Second DWI Conviction
A second DWI conviction results in a one-year license revocation. However, if your second offense occurs within five years of the first, you face a five-year license denial. This means you are ineligible to reinstate your license during that period.
After a one-year revocation, you can reapply for reinstatement. You’ll need to file SR-22, complete SATOP, and pay your reinstatement fees. You may also need to install an IID for at least six months.
If you have a five-year denial, you’ll need to petition the court for reinstatement. The court will look to see if you have any new alcohol-related traffic offenses during the denial period. You’ll also need IID installation and an SR-22 form.
Third or Subsequent DWI
Third or subsequent DWI offenses classify you as a Persistent, Aggravated, or Chronic Offender. You may face a 10-year license denial and cannot petition for license reinstatement until those 10 years are up.
After the 10-year period, you’ll need to file a petition with the circuit court and prove you haven’t had any new alcohol-related traffic convictions during the denial. You’ll also need to complete SATOP and other court-ordered requirements, including IID installation and SR-22 insurance.
Refusal to Take a Breath or Blood Test
Missouri has an implied consent law for drivers who refuse to submit to a chemical test. A refusal results in a one-year license revocation, regardless of whether you’re ultimately convicted of DWI. You may apply for a Limited Driving Privilege (LDP) after 90 days, but an IID is mandatory. IID requirements typically last six months to one year but may be longer for repeat offenders.
Get Help from a Missouri DWI Defense Attorney
License revocation can range from 90 days to 10 years, depending on your record and whether you refused testing. Fortunately, there are options like restricted driving privileges and reinstatement after completing key steps like SATOP, SR-22 filing, and IID installation.
If you’ve been charged with DWI in Missouri, the best way to protect your driving privileges—and your criminal record—is to work with a skilled DWI defense attorney. Contact Travis Noble, P.C. to learn more about your legal options.