Q: Do I need to pay full DUI fees for license reinstatement in CA?
I am in California and received a DUI. I was ordered by the court to complete a DUI program and pay certain fees. I have completed the program and have been making minimum monthly payments towards the fees. However, I want to know if I need to pay the full outstanding balance to get my license reinstated, or if I can continue with my current monthly payments. I haven't received any notices requiring immediate full payment for license reinstatement.
A: The payment of the court fees (or fines) has nothing to do with the license reinstatement. Nonpayment of court fees or fines can result in a probation violation if payment is willful. If probation has expired, then the court cannot enforce the nonpayment and the courts will convert the fees or fines into civil judgment that can (in some cases) affect the license. But directly, no, it is not affected.
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
- California
- (916) 704-3009
- View Profile
- Answered
A:
In California, you typically need to pay all outstanding DUI-related fees before your license can be reinstated. The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) usually requires full payment of fees, including reinstatement fees, court-ordered fines, and program costs, before they will restore your driving privileges.
While making monthly payments shows responsibility and good faith, these payment arrangements are generally with the court system rather than the DMV. The court payment plan allows you to handle your legal obligations over time, but the DMV has separate requirements for license reinstatement. You should contact your local DMV office directly to confirm their specific requirements, as policies can vary by county and circumstances.
Since you haven't received notices demanding immediate payment, it would be worthwhile to schedule an appointment with the DMV to review your case. They can provide you with a detailed list of what remains to be paid and explain any options that might be available to you. Additionally, you might want to check with the court to ensure they haven't sent any important notices to an outdated address, as missing communications could affect your reinstatement process.
Justia Ask A Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get free answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask A Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.
The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between Justia and you, or between any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions and you, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask A Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.
Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises, or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.
