How Long Does a DUI Stay on Your Record?

A Driving under the influence (DUI) charge does more than bring legal penalties; it leaves a permanent mark on your driving record.

In most states, a DUI stays on record for 5-10 years, but in some, it lasts forever. This long-term record can bring higher insurance rates, SR-22 filings, and job difficulties.

The length of time a DUI stays on your driving record varies by state and the severity of the charge. Knowing the factors that affect this and ways to minimize the impact can help mitigate the long-term consequences of a DUI. This article goes in-depth on how long a DUI stays on your record.

How Long Does a DUI Stay on Your Record?

The length of time a DUI stays on your record varies by state, typically 5-10 years. Since each state has its own DUI laws, there is no one rule for how long it will stay on your record. But knowing how your state handles DUI charges can help you navigate the consequences.

Most states use a point system for driving behavior, where traffic violations add points to your drivers license. If you get too many points, your license will be suspended. Auto insurance companies also review those points when setting rates, so more points mean higher insurance premiums.

Some states assign points for DUIs, and others impose stricter penalties like immediate license suspension or fines. The number of points and how long they stay on your driving record depends on state laws. In some states, points are automatically removed after a certain period; in others, you can get points reduced if you don’t get any more violations.

The table below lists the Amount of Time, Consequences, and other Information for a DUI conviction.

What is a DUI or DWI?

A DUI (Driving Under the Influence) is a crime when you operate a vehicle while impaired by alcohol, drugs, or both. States use different terms like DWI (Driving While Intoxicated) or OVI (Operating a Vehicle Under the Influence). Still, it’s the same crime, impaired driving.

Most states consider you impaired if your BAC is 0.08% or higher. But there are stricter limits for specific groups: commercial drivers have a 0.04% BAC limit, and drivers under 21 have zero tolerance laws, meaning any detectable alcohol will get you a DUI charge.

A DUI can be from drug impairment, including illegal substances and prescription medications that affect your ability to drive.

The consequences of a DUI are severe and long-term. Legal penalties can include fines, jail time, license suspension, mandatory substance abuse programs, and an ignition interlock device.

Beyond the legal consequences, a DUI can mean higher insurance rates, difficulty getting a job, and damage to your personal and professional reputation.

So, if you’re a first-time offender facing DUI charges, get a lawyer. A reasonable attorney can help you navigate the system, protect your rights, and explore defenses to minimize the impact of the criminal charges.

Consequences of a DUI Conviction on Your Record

DUIs can affect many areas of your life, from insurance costs and job opportunities to driving privileges and financial responsibilities.

Some of the DUI Penalties are listed below.

Higher Car Insurance Rates

Insurance companies view DUI offenders as high-risk drivers and will often raise your rates. When determining rates, insurers look at your driving history for the last 3-5 years. A DUI on your record can result in significant increases or policy cancellations.

Suppose your driver’s license is suspended due to a DUI. In that case, you may need to file an SR-22 or FR-44 to prove financial responsibility before reinstatement. This requirement usually lasts 3 years and comes with additional filing fees and higher insurance costs.

Job and Housing Issues

Many employers do background checks for criminal convictions, and a DUI can make it harder to get a job, especially if the job involves driving or requires a clean record.

Commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs) have strict requirements, and a DUI can disqualify you from driving-related jobs. Landlords may see a DUI as a liability and make it harder to rent an apartment.

License Suspension and Driving Restrictions

A DUI can also result in your driver’s license being suspended or revoked, and the length of time varies by state and severity of the drunk driving offense. In some states, a DUI is an automatic suspension.

Reinstating your license can cost you big bucks, but it fulfills court-ordered requirements and allows you to keep proof of insurance. Some states require the installation of an ignition interlock device (IID), which prevents a car from starting when alcohol is detected in the driver’s breath.

The financial, professional, and legal consequences of a DUI can be significant and have a long-term impact. Knowing these potential long-term consequences of a DUI conviction can help you take steps to minimize the risks and understand the consequences of having a DUI on your record.

How to Remove a DUI from Your Driving Record

Getting a DUI off your record is complicated and depends on your criminal record or driving record. While expungement may remove a DUI from your criminal history, it will still stay on your driving record for a set amount of time, depending on your state’s laws.

Clearing Your Criminal Record with Expungement

In some states, you can have a DUI expunged, meaning it will be removed from your criminal record and will not show up on most background checks.

Expungement eligibility requires:

1. Completion of court-ordered requirements, such as probation or community service
2. There is a waiting period before you can apply
3. Meeting state-specific criteria

Even if expunged, certain entities, such as law enforcement and government agencies that require security clearance, may still have access to the record. An expunged DUI conviction will still count as a prior offense if you get charged with a future DUI, which can result in severe penalties.

Clearing Your Driving Record

Unlike your criminal history, DUIs cannot be removed from your driving record before the state’s time frame expires. Insurance companies and state DMVs use driving records to assess risk, and a DUI will be on your public record for 5 to 10 years, depending on your state’s laws.

If you’re facing a DUI charge, get legal help ASAP. Research shows that people with DUI attorneys are 3x more likely to have charges reduced. A reasonable attorney can guide you through the process, explore defenses, and help minimize the impact on your record and future.

If you’re considering expungement, consult a lawyer experienced in DUI cases to get the best outcome.

Why Do I Need SR-22 Insurance After a DUI?

After a DUI, many states require you to file an SR-22 certificate of financial responsibility to show that you have the minimum auto insurance coverage needed. Insurance companies and state authorities consider DUIs as high-risk drivers. Therefore, you are more likely to have another incident.

An SR-22 is required to reinstate or maintain your driving privileges or get a limited driving permit after a DUI-related license suspension. Your auto insurance company files this form with the DMV or SOS as proof that you meet the state’s insurance requirements. Without it, your license will remain suspended, and you can’t renew your vehicle registration.

Not all insurance companies cover high-risk drivers; a DUI can mean higher premiums or policy cancellation. Suppose your current company won’t issue an SR-22. In that case, you may need to find a new company specializing in high-risk auto coverage.

Most states require an SR-22 for 3 years, but this can vary by state. If you don’t maintain continuous coverage, your insurer will notify the DMV, and you could face fines, an extended SR-22 requirement, or another license suspension.

Not all states require an SR-22, but it is a common legal requirement for DUIs. Failing to comply with SR-22 requirements will prevent you from regaining your full driving privileges and eventually returning to standard insurance rates.

How Much Do DUIs Increase Car Insurance Rates?

A Drunk driving conviction will increase your insurance rates big time as insurers consider it a high-risk behavior. We found that premiums can go up by as much as 80% after a DUI.

Insurance companies base their rates on the likelihood of a driver filing a claim. A bad driving record, especially a DUI, means higher risk. Hence, they either increase premiums, decline coverage or decline to renew their insurance policy. Some carriers won’t insure drivers with DUIs, while others specialize in insuring high-risk drivers.

A DUI affects insurance rates for 3 to 5 years, assuming no other driving infractions occur. But if you get into an accident or get another ticket during that period, premiums can go up even more.

While a DUI will impact your insurance rates, other factors will also come into play, including vehicle type, location, and, in most states, age, gender, and credit history. So, while a DUI will increase your rates, other things will also contribute to your final insurance cost.

How Long Does a DUI Affect Your Car Insurance Rates?

Depending on the state and insurance company, a DUI will impact your rates for 3-5 years. A DUI will be on your record longer, but insurers look at recent stuff (accidents, tickets, DUIs) when calculating rates. The more violations in that timeframe, the higher your rates will be.

A clean driving record is key to lowering your rates after a DUI. If you avoid further infractions for a few years, you can ask your insurer to re-rate you. Many will gradually reduce your rates once the high-risk period is over, and your rates will go back to normal over time.

How to Check Your Driving Record after a DUI

Checking is easy if you’re unsure if a past ticket is still on your record. While the steps vary by state, here’s how:

1. Go to Your State’s Official DMV or Licensing Website – Ensure the website ends in .gov.
2. Find the Driving Record Section – Use the search function or go to a “records” or “documents” tab.
3. Pay a Small Fee – Most states are around $10 to $20 for a copy of your record (e.g., Illinois is $21).
4. Get a Copy in Person – You can also visit your local DMV office for a physical copy.
5. Ask Your Insurance Provider – Some insurance companies have a copy of your record on file.

Once you get your record, please review it to ensure all the violations and dates are correct.

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