🚗 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!
Immediately after your arrest, your DUI citation acts as a temporary permit, allowing you to drive for business purposes only for 10 days. If you don’t act within that window, you may lose your license for months—or even longer.
📍 Florida Statute § 322.2615 governs this administrative process.
Arrested for DUI in Florida or Anywhere in South Florida?
📝 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:
- ✔ Work or job-related tasks
- ✔ School or college
- ✔ Medical appointments
- ✔ 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:
✅ 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
💡 Filing for a hearing automatically extends your driving rights with a 42-day BPO permit while your case is reviewed.
✅ 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:
Avoids delay in restoring limited driving privileges
Cons:
You give up the right to challenge the suspension
🚫 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.
📌 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
🛡️ Why You Need a DUI Lawyer in Fort Lauderdale or South Florida
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.
📞 Call Attorney Michael White at (954) 270-0769
🚨 Schedule your FREE consultation today and start protecting your license and your future.
