A DUI arrest can create immediate uncertainty about something many people depend on every day: their ability to drive. In Utah, a DUI arrest can trigger an administrative license suspension separate from the criminal case in court. The process moves quickly, and missing an important deadline can affect your driving privileges. Knowing what happens after an arrest can help you understand what to expect and what steps may be available.
How a DUI Arrest Can Affect Your License
Utah law allows the Driver License Division (DLD) to begin an administrative process after certain DUI arrests. This process is separate from the criminal charges, meaning your driving privileges can be affected even while the criminal case is still pending. A chemical test result or an officer’s determination based on reasonable grounds may trigger notice of an intended suspension.
The administrative case focuses on your driving privileges rather than determining whether you are guilty of the criminal offense. This distinction is important because the outcome of the DLD process and the outcome of the criminal case are not necessarily the same.
Requesting a DLD Hearing
After receiving notice of an intended suspension, you have a limited amount of time to request a hearing with the DLD. Under Utah law effective July 1, 2026, the request must be submitted within 10 calendar days after the officer provides notice. If requested, the hearing must generally be held within 45 days of the arrest.
At the hearing, the DLD may consider several issues, including:
- Reasonable grounds: Whether the officer had reasonable grounds to believe you were driving in violation of Utah DUI laws.
- Chemical test refusal: Whether you refused to submit to a requested chemical test.
- Test results: The results of any chemical testing conducted in connection with the arrest.
Because the deadline is short, delaying action can limit your ability to challenge the administrative suspension.
How Long Can a Utah DUI Suspension Last?
The length of an administrative suspension depends on factors such as your age and prior suspension history. For drivers who are 21 or older, Utah’s current law provides for a 120-day suspension for a first suspension and a two-year suspension for a second or subsequent suspension involving an offense within the previous 10 years. These periods begin on the 60th day after the arrest when the suspension is imposed.
Drivers under 21 can face different suspension periods. A first suspension can last six months, while a second or subsequent suspension may last until the driver turns 21 or for two years, whichever is longer.
Can You Challenge or Shorten a Suspension?
Requesting a DLD hearing gives you an opportunity to challenge the administrative action. The hearing addresses specific issues involving the arrest, testing, and the officer’s reasonable grounds, rather than serving as a replacement for the criminal court case.
Utah law also provides circumstances in which a license may be reinstated before the full suspension period ends. For example, the DLD must reinstate a first 120-day suspension after receiving written verification that the related DUI charge was dismissed before the suspension is completed. Other provisions allow reinstatement in connection with certain court programs or ignition interlock restrictions.
These options have specific requirements, so the circumstances of an individual case matter.
What Should You Do After a DUI Arrest?
The days immediately following a DUI arrest can be important for protecting your driving privileges. Keep the paperwork provided by law enforcement and pay close attention to the dates listed in your notice.
Consider these steps:
- Review the notice: Identify the date of arrest, notice, and any stated suspension information.
- Act before the deadline: If you want a DLD hearing, make sure the request is submitted within the required 10-day period.
- Preserve case information: Keep copies of citations, test-related paperwork, and other documents connected to the arrest.
Taking prompt action does not guarantee a particular outcome, but it can help ensure that important administrative rights are not overlooked.
Protecting Your Driving Privileges
A Utah DUI case can involve both criminal proceedings and a separate administrative process involving your driver’s license. Understanding that distinction—and recognizing the short deadline for requesting a DLD hearing—can help you make informed decisions after an arrest.
Utah DUI Attorney-Melton Law helps individuals understand their rights and navigate DUI matters in Utah. If you have been arrested for DUI and are concerned about your license or the next steps in your case, contact Utah DUI Attorney-Melton Law at (801) 781-5803 to discuss your situation and learn about your legal options.