Reader’s Question:

My cousin was arrested for a DUI charge in Tallahassee, Florida. He refused to have DUI tests. What are the consequences of his decision for test refusal?

Justine

Tallahassee , FL

Your cousin may be in trouble. The Florida DUI law requires that the license be suspended on the day of the arrest for one year for the first offense and 18 months for any consecutive offenses if he refuses to submit to a urine or breath test. He will be given a 10-day permit on the arrest date and when it expires, he must serve 90 days of suspension before he is eligible to apply for a hardship license on the first suspension. If he refused to submit two or more times, no hardship license is permitted. For consideration of a hardship license, he must provide a proof of enrollment in a DUI School to the Administrative Reviews Office. If he will be given approval to reinstate early for hardship license, he must present this approval to the driver license office.

Whether for a hardship license or a full license, at the time of reinstatement, he must take the required examination and pay $115 administrative fee, $35 reinstatement fee and any license fee required. Proof of liability insurance on the day of arrest or proof of liability coverage and a $15 reinstatement fee will be required under Florida DUI law.