Skip to contentđźš— Florida’s DUI 10-Day Rule: What Fort Lauderdale Drivers Need to Know
If you’ve been arrested for DUI in Fort Lauderdale or anywhere in South Florida, your driver’s license was automatically suspended. But under Florida’s DUI 10-day rule, you have a limited opportunity to take action and protect your driving privileges.
⏰ Arrested for DUI? You Only Have 10 Days to Act!
đź“ť What Is a Business Purposes Only (BPO) License?
A Business Purposes Only (BPO) license, also known as a hardship license, allows you to drive for essential needs during your suspension.
Under Florida law, you’re permitted to drive to:
- âś” Work or job-related tasks
- âś” School or college
- âś” Medical appointments
- âś” Religious services
This limited driving privilege helps maintain stability while your case is pending.
🔍 What Happens After the 10-Day Rule Expires?
If you don’t take legal action within 10 days, your ability to drive legally ends. Fortunately, first-time DUI offenders in South Florida typically have two key options:
âś… Option 1: Request an Administrative Hearing
Filing for a formal or informal administrative hearing allows you to challenge the license suspension.
➡ Formal Hearing
- Cross-examine officers
- Present evidence
- Challenge the stop or test results
- Outcome: Full reinstatement or delayed hardship license
➡ Informal Hearing
- No witnesses; paper review only
- Less aggressive, but still offers potential relief
đź’ˇ Filing for a hearing automatically extends your driving rights with a 42-day BPO permit while your case is reviewed.
âś… Option 2: Waive the Hearing & Get Immediate Driving Relief
You may waive your right to a hearing and immediately apply for a hardship license, but only if you enroll in DUI School.
Pros:
Cons:
Read More from Our Blog:
đźš« What If You Have a Prior DUI Conviction?
Drivers with a previous DUI conviction are not eligible for a hardship license. Your only option is to request an administrative hearing and attempt to overturn the suspension.
đź“Ś In this situation, having a skilled DUI attorney is even more important.
🛡️ Why You Need a DUI Lawyer in Fort Lauderdale or South Florida
Florida’s DUI 10-day rule is strict and time-sensitive. If you miss the window, your license will be suspended—and it may be difficult to undo the damage.
An experienced DUI lawyer can:
🔹 Guide you through hearings
🔹 Secure a hardship license
🔹 Challenge the arrest or stop
🔹 Protect your long-term record
Florida DUI 10-Day Rule FAQs: Hearings & License Options
Q1: What is the DUI 10-day rule in Florida?
A: After a DUI arrest in Florida, your license is automatically suspended. The 10-day rule gives you 10 calendar days to request a hearing or apply for a hardship license. If you do nothing, your suspension goes into effect on day 11.
Q2: Can I drive during the 10-day period after a DUI arrest?
A: Yes. Your DUI citation serves as a temporary Business Purposes Only (BPO) permit, allowing you to drive for work, school, or other essential needs—but only for those 10 days.
Q3: What happens if I miss the 10-day deadline?
A: If you don’t request a hearing or apply for a hardship license within 10 days, you will lose your driving privileges and must serve out the full suspension without any relief.
Q4: What’s the difference between a formal and informal administrative hearing?
A: A formal hearing allows your attorney to present evidence and cross-examine officers. An informal hearing involves only a review of paperwork—no testimony or witnesses are allowed.
Q5: Am I eligible for a hardship license if I’ve had a DUI before?
A: No. If you have a prior DUI conviction, you are not eligible for a hardship license. Your only option is to request a formal hearing and attempt to overturn the suspension.
đź“ž Call Attorney Michael White at (954) 270-0769
criminal defense lawyer, license, lawyer, breathalyzer, ignition interlock device, dui 10 day rule, traffic collision, alcohol, arrest, blood alcohol content, field sobriety testing, insurance, law, california department of motor vehicles, crime, traffic stop, misdemeanor, prison, criminal justice, blood, police, injury, florida department of highway safety and motor vehicles, domestic violence, vehicle, felony, defender, email address, motor vehicle, personal injury, implied consent, south florida, administrative license suspension, police officer, witness, florida dui penalties, law firm, dui defense, dui lawyer, dmv hearing, dui defense attorney, dui arrest, florida dui, dui, defense attorney, attorney, dui conviction, dui attorney, arrested for dui, miami, attention, criminal charge, criminal law, testimony, drug, evaluation, court, criminal record, trial, consent, acceptable use policy, knowledge, violence, probable cause, evidence, wheel, reckless driving, fee, informant, blood test, georgia, public intoxication, theft, policy, statute
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a temporary license during the 10 day period?
You can obtain a temporary license during the 10-day period following a DUI arrest. This allows you to drive legally while you navigate the next steps regarding your case and license status.
Can I still drive to work during the 10 day period?
During the 10-day period after a DUI arrest, you may be able to drive to work if you apply for a Business Purposes Only license. However, this requires timely action and proper documentation.
How does the 10 day rule affect my license?
The 10-day rule affects your license by requiring you to request a hearing or your license will automatically be suspended after 10 days following a DUI arrest. Acting promptly is crucial to protect your driving privileges.
What is the DUI 10 day rule in my state?
The DUI 10-day rule in Florida states that individuals arrested for DUI must take action within 10 days to avoid automatic driver's license suspension. This includes requesting a hearing or applying for a Business Purposes Only license.
How long does the 10 day period start after arrest?
The 10-day period starts immediately after your DUI arrest. This time frame is crucial for taking action to protect your driver’s license from suspension.
What are the consequences of losing a DUI 10 day hearing?
The consequences of losing a DUI 10-day hearing include an automatic suspension of your driver’s license for at least 180 days, and potential limitations on your ability to drive legally without a Business Purposes Only license.
Can I get a hardship license during the 10 day period?
You can obtain a hardship license during the 10-day period following your DUI arrest. However, it is crucial to act quickly and meet specific eligibility requirements set by Florida law.
How long do I have to request a DMV hearing?
You have only 10 days from the date of your DUI arrest to request a DMV hearing. It’s crucial to take action within this timeframe to avoid automatic license suspension.
What happens if I miss the 10 day deadline for a hearing?
Missing the 10-day deadline for a hearing results in an automatic suspension of your driver's license. Unfortunately, you forfeit the opportunity to contest the suspension, making it crucial to act promptly following a DUI arrest.
Can I represent myself at a DUI 10 day hearing?
You can represent yourself at a DUI 10-day hearing, but it is not advisable. Without legal expertise, you may struggle to present your case effectively and could jeopardize your chances of securing a favorable outcome.
How does the 10 day rule affect my car insurance?
The effect of the 10-day rule on your car insurance is significant: if you do not act to contest your license suspension within this timeframe, you risk higher premiums or even cancellation of your policy due to the DUI conviction.
Can I get a restricted license during the 10 day period?
You can obtain a restricted license during the 10-day period following your DUI arrest. This license, known as a Business Purposes Only license, allows limited driving privileges while you handle your case.
Can I request a hearing within 10 days of DUI arrest?
You can request a hearing within 10 days of your DUI arrest. This crucial timeframe allows you to contest the suspension of your driver's license, so it's important to act quickly and seek legal guidance.
dui fort lauderdale, fort lauderdale dui, dui 10 day rule, is your license suspended immediately after a dui in florida, dui 33315, dui florida hardship license, bpo license florida, dui dmv hearing 10 days
criminal defense lawyer, license, lawyer, breathalyzer, ignition interlock device, dui 10 day rule, traffic collision, alcohol, arrest, blood alcohol content, field sobriety testing, insurance, law, california department of motor vehicles, crime, traffic stop, misdemeanor, prison, criminal justice, blood, police, injury, florida department of highway safety and motor vehicles, domestic violence, vehicle, felony, defender, email address, motor vehicle, personal injury, implied consent, south florida, administrative license suspension, police officer, witness, florida dui penalties, law firm, dui defense, dui lawyer, dmv hearing, dui defense attorney, dui arrest, florida dui, dui, defense attorney, attorney, dui conviction, dui attorney, arrested for dui, miami, attention, criminal charge, criminal law, testimony, drug, evaluation, court, criminal record, trial, consent, acceptable use policy, knowledge, violence, probable cause, evidence, wheel, reckless driving, fee, informant, blood test, georgia, public intoxication, theft, policy, statute
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a temporary license during the 10 day period?
You can obtain a temporary license during the 10-day period following a DUI arrest. This allows you to drive legally while you navigate the next steps regarding your case and license status.
Can I still drive to work during the 10 day period?
During the 10-day period after a DUI arrest, you may be able to drive to work if you apply for a Business Purposes Only license. However, this requires timely action and proper documentation.
How does the 10 day rule affect my license?
The 10-day rule affects your license by requiring you to request a hearing or your license will automatically be suspended after 10 days following a DUI arrest. Acting promptly is crucial to protect your driving privileges.
What is the DUI 10 day rule in my state?
The DUI 10-day rule in Florida states that individuals arrested for DUI must take action within 10 days to avoid automatic driver's license suspension. This includes requesting a hearing or applying for a Business Purposes Only license.
How long does the 10 day period start after arrest?
The 10-day period starts immediately after your DUI arrest. This time frame is crucial for taking action to protect your driver’s license from suspension.
What are the consequences of losing a DUI 10 day hearing?
The consequences of losing a DUI 10-day hearing include an automatic suspension of your driver’s license for at least 180 days, and potential limitations on your ability to drive legally without a Business Purposes Only license.
Can I get a hardship license during the 10 day period?
You can obtain a hardship license during the 10-day period following your DUI arrest. However, it is crucial to act quickly and meet specific eligibility requirements set by Florida law.
How long do I have to request a DMV hearing?
You have only 10 days from the date of your DUI arrest to request a DMV hearing. It’s crucial to take action within this timeframe to avoid automatic license suspension.
What happens if I miss the 10 day deadline for a hearing?
Missing the 10-day deadline for a hearing results in an automatic suspension of your driver's license. Unfortunately, you forfeit the opportunity to contest the suspension, making it crucial to act promptly following a DUI arrest.
Can I represent myself at a DUI 10 day hearing?
You can represent yourself at a DUI 10-day hearing, but it is not advisable. Without legal expertise, you may struggle to present your case effectively and could jeopardize your chances of securing a favorable outcome.
How does the 10 day rule affect my car insurance?
The effect of the 10-day rule on your car insurance is significant: if you do not act to contest your license suspension within this timeframe, you risk higher premiums or even cancellation of your policy due to the DUI conviction.
Can I get a restricted license during the 10 day period?
You can obtain a restricted license during the 10-day period following your DUI arrest. This license, known as a Business Purposes Only license, allows limited driving privileges while you handle your case.
Can I request a hearing within 10 days of DUI arrest?
You can request a hearing within 10 days of your DUI arrest. This crucial timeframe allows you to contest the suspension of your driver's license, so it's important to act quickly and seek legal guidance.
dui fort lauderdale, fort lauderdale dui, dui 10 day rule, is your license suspended immediately after a dui in florida, dui 33315, dui florida hardship license, bpo license florida, dui dmv hearing 10 days
