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What to Expect From License Suspension After a DWI in Missouri
One of the most immediate and disruptive consequences of a DWI (Driving While Intoxicated) charge in Missouri is the suspension of your driver’s license. Whether it’s your first offense or a repeat violation, the state enforces strict rules that can limit your driving privileges for months—or even years.
Understanding the scope of license suspension after a DWI in Missouri is important for anyone navigating the aftermath of an arrest. While the exact suspension period varies based on factors such as prior offenses and refusal to take a chemical test, Missouri law follows a clear framework.
This post will walk through how long a license can be suspended, what influences the length of the suspension, and what steps are involved in regaining your driving privileges. Missouri uses the term DWI, not DUI, and we’ll follow that terminology throughout this guide to maintain state-specific accuracy.
Let’s take a closer look at how Missouri handles license suspensions in DWI cases—and what drivers can expect at every stage of the process.
First-Time DWI Offense: License Suspension Length
For a first-time DWI offense in Missouri, the standard license suspension period is 90 days, assuming the driver submitted to a chemical test and the result was a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08% or higher.
The suspension breaks down as follows:
- 30-day full suspension: The driver cannot operate a vehicle at all.
- 60-day restricted driving privilege: After the first 30 days, a restricted license may be granted, allowing for limited driving (such as commuting to work or school).
This 90-day suspension is considered an administrative action by the Missouri Department of Revenue, separate from any criminal penalties that may follow in court. That means it can take effect even if a court case hasn’t concluded.
If the driver refuses to take a breath, blood, or urine test, Missouri’s “Implied Consent” law kicks in, resulting in a one-year license revocation instead of the standard 90-day suspension. This revocation is automatic and does not depend on a conviction.
Repeat Offenses and Longer Suspension Periods
For individuals with prior DWI offenses or alcohol-related enforcement actions on their record, Missouri imposes longer license suspensions or revocations.
Here’s how it typically scales:
- Second offense within five years: License is revoked for one year
- Third offense (Persistent Offender): License is revoked for 10 years
- Fourth or more offenses (Aggravated/Chronic Offender): License revocation remains at 10 years, but reinstatement becomes more complex
Importantly, the one-year or ten-year revocations do not automatically end at the conclusion of the period. In most cases, the driver must apply for reinstatement and meet specific criteria to regain driving privileges.
A ten-year revocation does not guarantee automatic reinstatement at the end of the period. The driver must show proof of sobriety, completion of alcohol programs, and maintain a clean driving record. Without these, reinstatement may be denied.
Refusing a Chemical Test: Immediate Consequences
Missouri has strict laws around chemical test refusal. If a driver is lawfully arrested for a DWI and then refuses a breath, blood, or urine test, the Department of Revenue issues an automatic one-year license revocation. This is known as a Chemical Revocation and falls under the state’s Implied Consent statute.
This one-year revocation happens regardless of the outcome of the criminal case, and it often takes effect within 15 days of the notice being issued.
Additional penalties for refusal include:
- 12 points added to your driving record
- Limited eligibility for restricted driving privileges
- Requirement to install an ignition interlock device (IID) before reinstatement
Refusing a test may seem like a way to avoid evidence in a DWI case, but in Missouri, it triggers automatic and often more severe administrative penalties.
Restricted Licenses and Ignition Interlock Requirements
In many cases, Missouri drivers can apply for a Restricted Driving Privilege (RDP), also known as a hardship license, during their suspension or revocation period. This option is often available for first-time offenders and certain repeat offenders, depending on the situation.
To qualify, drivers typically must:
- Serve a portion of the suspension (often the first 30 days)
- Enroll in the Missouri Substance Abuse Traffic Offender Program (SATOP)
- Provide proof of insurance (SR-22 filing)
- Install an ignition interlock device (for certain offenses)
An ignition interlock device requires the driver to blow into a breathalyzer before the vehicle starts. If alcohol is detected, the car will not start. This requirement is especially common for:
- High BAC offenses (0.15% or above)
- Repeat offenses
- Refusals to submit to testing
The length of time an IID must be used varies based on the severity and type of the offense. For some, it may be required for six months; for others, it can be a condition of full reinstatement for a year or longer.
Reinstatement Process After Suspension or Revocation
Regaining driving privileges in Missouri after a DWI-related suspension or revocation is not automatic. Drivers must follow a step-by-step process that ensures they’ve completed all legal and administrative requirements.
The basic reinstatement steps include:
- Completion of the suspension/revocation period
- Enrollment and completion of SATOP
- SR-22 insurance filing, which must be maintained for two years
- Payment of reinstatement fees to the Department of Revenue
- Ignition interlock device installation, if applicable
For ten-year revocations, the process is more complex. Individuals must petition the court for reinstatement and show they’ve remained alcohol-free for at least three years prior to applying. The burden of proof lies with the driver, and reinstatement is not guaranteed.
Failing to complete any part of the process—such as letting SR-22 insurance lapse—can result in delays or additional penalties.
Administrative vs Criminal License Actions in Missouri
It’s important to distinguish between administrative and criminal actions when it comes to license suspensions in Missouri. Many drivers assume suspension only occurs after a court conviction, but administrative penalties can take effect immediately after arrest, even if the case is later dismissed.
- Administrative penalties: Handled by the Missouri Department of Revenue; triggered by BAC results or chemical test refusal.
- Criminal penalties: Imposed by the court; may include longer suspension periods, especially if a DWI conviction occurs.
Because these processes are separate, a driver could lose their license through the administrative process even if they are later acquitted in court.
In some cases, both penalties are imposed. For example, a driver may serve an initial 90-day administrative suspension, followed by a court-ordered revocation depending on the outcome of the criminal case.
FAQ: Missouri DWI and License Suspension
Q: How long is a first-time DWI license suspension in Missouri?
A: A first offense typically results in a 90-day suspension—30 days of full suspension followed by 60 days of restricted driving privileges.
Q: What happens if I refuse a breathalyzer test in Missouri?
A: Refusing a test leads to an automatic one-year license revocation under Missouri’s Implied Consent law.
Q: Can I get a restricted license after a DWI?
A: Yes, many drivers are eligible for a Restricted Driving Privilege (RDP), especially after the first 30 days of suspension and with proof of program enrollment and SR-22 insurance.
Q: How long is a license revoked after a second or third DWI offense?
A: A second offense typically results in a one-year revocation; a third offense can lead to a ten-year revocation.
Q: Is license reinstatement automatic after the revocation period?
A: No. You must complete specific steps including SATOP, SR-22 filing, and possibly installing an ignition interlock device.
Conclusion
In Missouri, license suspension after a DWI can range from 90 days to 10 years, depending on the details of the offense and the driver’s history. Administrative penalties can take effect immediately, while criminal court outcomes may impose additional sanctions. Fortunately, restricted driving privileges and reinstatement options are available in many cases—though they come with conditions.
To understand the full range of penalties involved in a Missouri DWI, visit our complete overview on DWI penalties and consequences.
For a more focused explanation of how driving restrictions and license suspensions are handled, review our in-depth guide on license suspension and driving restrictions after a DWI.