A CM1 is a restricted driver's license issued after a suspension or revocation
A CM1 driver's license is a conditional or restricted license that allows you to drive under specific limitations after your license has been suspended or revoked. The exact restrictions depend on why your license was taken away — whether for unpaid traffic fines, a DUI conviction, accumulating too many points, or another violation. A CM1 is not a full, unrestricted license; it comes with conditions you must follow or you risk losing it again.
The "CM1" designation itself varies by state. Some states use this code, others use different abbreviations or straightforward call it a "restricted license" or "conditional license." What matters is that you can drive only for the purposes your state allows, and only if you meet all the conditions attached to it.
You do not automatically get a CM1 when your license is suspended. You have to request one through your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (or equivalent agency), and you must meet specific requirements — which usually include paying reinstatement fees, completing a required course or program, and sometimes showing proof of insurance.
Key Takeaways
- A CM1 is a restricted license that lets you drive for limited purposes only, such as work or medical appointments, after a suspension or revocation.
- You must request a CM1 through your state's DMV; it is not issued automatically when your suspension begins.
- Conditions attached to a CM1 typically include driving only to specific locations, installing an ignition interlock device if required, and maintaining proof of insurance at all times.
- Violating the terms of a CM1 — such as driving outside permitted purposes or failing to maintain insurance — can result in when ready revocation and additional penalties.
- The cost and waiting period for a CM1 vary by state and the reason for your original suspension.
Why your license was suspended determines what a CM1 allows
The restrictions on a CM1 are tied directly to the reason your license was suspended. If you were suspended for unpaid traffic fines, your CM1 might allow you to drive to work and back, to court-ordered programs, or to medical appointments. If you were suspended for a DUI conviction, your CM1 will almost certainly require an ignition interlock device — a breathalyzer installed in your vehicle that prevents the engine from starting if it detects alcohol on your breath.
If you accumulated too many points on your driving record, your CM1 might restrict you to driving only during daylight hours, or only on certain roads. Some states issue CM1 licenses that allow driving only within a certain radius of your home or workplace.
Your suspension notice or the DMV website for your state will list the specific restrictions that explore to you. Read these carefully, because driving outside the permitted purposes is a violation that can result in arrest and additional charges.
How to request a CM1 from your state DMV
The process for requesting a CM1 begins at your state's Department of Motor Vehicles. Most states allow you to start the process online, by mail, or in person at a local DMV office. You will need to provide your driver's license number, proof of identity, and documentation showing that you have met any prerequisites — such as proof that you paid reinstatement fees, completed a defensive driving course, or obtained an SR22 insurance certificate.
Before you can request a CM1, your state may require you to complete a specific program. For DUI suspensions, this is often a substance abuse or alcohol education course. For other violations, you might need to take a defensive driving course or pay a reinstatement fee. Check your suspension notice or call your state DMV to find out what you must do before you can even explore.
Once you submit your request, there is usually a waiting period. This can range from a few days to several weeks, depending on your state and how busy the DMV is. Some states issue the CM1 when ready if you meet all requirements; others mail it to you.
Insurance requirements for a CM1 driver
If your suspension was related to a traffic violation, accident, or DUI, your state will almost certainly require you to carry SR22 insurance — a certificate of financial responsibility that proves you have liability coverage. An SR22 is not a type of insurance; it is a form your insurance company files with the DMV to show that you meet your state's minimum coverage requirements.
You must maintain SR22 coverage for the entire time your CM1 is in effect. If your insurance lapses or you cancel your policy, the insurance company is required to notify the DMV, and your CM1 will be revoked when ready. You will then be back to a suspended license.
SR22 insurance costs more than standard insurance because you are considered higher-risk. The exact cost varies by state, your driving history, and the insurance company, but you should expect to pay a filing fee (usually $15 to $25) plus higher premiums than you would pay for a standard policy.
Ignition interlock devices and other conditions
If your CM1 is issued after a DUI or alcohol-related suspension, your state will require an ignition interlock device (IID). This is a small breathalyzer installed in your vehicle that you must blow into before the engine will start. If the device detects alcohol, the car will not start. You will also be required to provide breath samples at random times while driving — if you fail, the device logs the violation and may disable your vehicle.
You pay for the IID installation and monthly monitoring fees yourself, typically ranging from $60 to $150 per month depending on your state and the device manufacturer. You must keep the device installed for the entire duration specified by your state, which can be anywhere from six months to several years.
Other conditions on a CM1 might include restrictions on when you can drive (daylight hours only, for example), where you can drive (within a certain distance of home or work), or requirements to carry proof of your CM1 and insurance at all times. Violating any of these conditions can result in when ready revocation.
What happens if you violate the terms of your CM1
Driving outside the permitted purposes of your CM1 — such as driving to a social event when your license only allows driving to work — is a violation. So is failing to maintain insurance, driving with a lapsed or failed ignition interlock device, or driving during prohibited hours. These violations can result in arrest, additional fines, and when ready revocation of your CM1.
If your CM1 is revoked, you will be back to a fully suspended license. You may have to wait a longer period before you can request another CM1, and you may face additional penalties or requirements. Some states also allow police to impound your vehicle if you are caught driving on a revoked license.
Keep a copy of your CM1 and your insurance documentation in your vehicle at all times. If you are stopped by police, you will need to show both. If you are unsure whether a particular trip is permitted under your CM1, contact your state DMV before you drive.
How long a CM1 lasts and what comes next
The duration of a CM1 depends on your state and the reason for your suspension. Some CM1 licenses last six months, others last a year or longer. Your suspension notice will specify the end date of your CM1 or the conditions you must meet to have it converted to a full, unrestricted license.
In some cases, you can request that your CM1 be upgraded to a full license before the end date if you have complied with all conditions and your state allows early reinstatement. In other cases, your CM1 automatically converts to a full license on the specified date, provided you have not violated any terms.
If you are unsure when your CM1 expires or what you need to do to restore your full driving privileges, contact your state DMV directly. Do not assume your license will automatically be restored — in many states, you must request reinstatement and pay an additional fee.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive anywhere I want with a CM1, or only certain places?
A CM1 comes with specific restrictions that vary by state and the reason for your suspension. You might be limited to driving to work, school, medical appointments, or court-ordered programs. Driving outside these permitted purposes is a violation. Your suspension notice or DMV website will list your exact restrictions.
Do I need an ignition interlock device if I have a CM1?
Only if your suspension was related to alcohol or drugs. DUI-related CM1 licenses almost always require an ignition interlock device for the entire duration of the restriction. Other types of suspensions may not require one. Check your suspension notice or contact your state DMV to confirm.
What if I miss a payment on my ignition interlock device?
If you fail to pay your IID monitoring fees, the device company will notify the DMV, and your CM1 will be revoked. You will then be driving on a suspended license, which is illegal. Set up automatic payments or calendar reminders to may support you do not miss a payment.
Can I get a CM1 if I still owe traffic fines?
Most states require you to pay all outstanding fines and fees before you can request a CM1. Some states allow you to set up a payment plan. Contact your state DMV or the court that issued the fine to find out what you owe and whether a payment plan is an option.
What happens when my CM1 expires?
Depending on your state, your CM1 either automatically converts to a full license on the expiration date, or you must request reinstatement and pay a fee. Do not assume your license will be restored automatically. Contact your state DMV at least 30 days before your CM1 expires to find out what you need to do.