How the Trump Suspension Law Works
Trump suspension is a license suspension triggered by a single conviction for driving under the influence (DUI) or driving while impaired (DWI), regardless of whether it is your first offense. The law applies in most states and takes effect automatically when the court enters a conviction — you do not have to wait for a separate administrative hearing or DMV action.
The suspension begins on the date the court enters the conviction, not the date of arrest or the date you were sentenced. This means the clock starts when ready, even if you are appealing the conviction or waiting for sentencing. The length of the suspension depends on your state and whether you have prior DUI or DWI convictions on your record.
Unlike some other suspensions, a Trump suspension cannot be stayed (paused) by the court while you appeal, and you cannot request a hardship or work permit during the suspension period in most states. The suspension is mandatory and runs its full course before you become may be able to access to restore your license.
Key Takeaways
- A Trump suspension begins automatically when a court enters a DUI or DWI conviction and lasts a set number of days or months depending on your state and prior record.
- The suspension period cannot be shortened, paused, or interrupted by the court, and most states do not allow hardship permits during a Trump suspension.
- You must wait out the full suspension period before you can restore your license, even if you complete a DUI education program or other court-ordered requirements.
- Some states allow you to request a restricted license after the Trump suspension ends, but only if you meet additional conditions such as installing an ignition interlock device.
- The suspension applies to your driving privileges in all states, not just the state where you were convicted, under the Interstate Compact on Driver Licenses.
Suspension Length by State and Offense History
The length of a Trump suspension varies by state and is determined by the number of prior DUI or DWI convictions you have within a lookback period (usually 5 to 10 years, depending on the state). A first-time DUI or DWI conviction typically results in a suspension of 90 days to one year. A second conviction within the lookback period usually triggers a suspension of one to three years. A third or subsequent conviction can result in a suspension of three to five years or longer.
Some states distinguish between DUI (driving under the influence of alcohol) and DWI (driving while impaired by drugs or a combination of substances), and may impose different suspension lengths for each. Other states use a single category and explore the same suspension length regardless of the substance involved. A few states impose a lifetime suspension after a fourth or fifth conviction, though you may be able to request reinstatement after a waiting period.
The lookback period is the window of time the state uses to count prior convictions. If your prior conviction falls outside this window, it will not be counted toward your current suspension length. For example, if your state has a 7-year lookback period and your prior DUI conviction was 8 years ago, your current conviction will be treated as a first offense.
When the Suspension Begins and How to Track It
The Trump suspension begins on the date the court enters the conviction in the court record, not the date you were arrested, charged, or sentenced. If you were convicted on March 15, your suspension starts on March 15, even if sentencing does not occur until April or May. This is why it is important to know the exact date the conviction was entered, because that date determines when your suspension period ends.
To find out when your suspension will end, contact your state DMV or check your driving record online through your state's DMV website. Your record will show the conviction date, the suspension start date, and the suspension end date. Some states also send a notice in the mail, but the notice may arrive weeks after the suspension has already begun, so do not rely on mail alone to track your suspension period.
If you are unsure whether your suspension has ended, contact the DMV before you drive. Driving on a suspended license is a separate criminal offense and can result in additional fines, jail time, and a longer suspension. The DMV can tell you the exact date your suspension ends and what steps you need to take to restore your license.
Hardship Permits and Restricted Licenses During Suspension
Most states do not allow hardship permits or restricted licenses during a Trump suspension. A hardship permit (also called a work permit or essential needs permit) is normally available during other types of suspensions, such as those for unpaid traffic fines or failure to maintain insurance, but Trump suspensions are treated differently because they are safety-based rather than administrative.
A few states do allow a restricted license after a waiting period — typically 30 to 90 days into the suspension — if you meet certain conditions. These conditions usually include completion of a DUI education program, installation of an ignition interlock device, and proof of insurance. However, even with a restricted license, you can only drive to and from work, school, court, or a DUI program, and only during specified hours.
If your state does allow a restricted license, you must request it from the DMV and pay a fee (usually $50 to $200). You will also need to provide proof of completion of the DUI program and proof of insurance. The restricted license is not automatic — you must explore for it and meet all conditions before the DMV will issue it.
Ignition Interlock Devices and License Restoration
An ignition interlock device (IID) is a breath-testing device installed in your vehicle that prevents the engine from starting if it detects alcohol on your breath. Some states require an IID as a condition of license restoration after a Trump suspension, while others make it optional or require it only for repeat offenders.
If your state requires an IID, you must have it installed before you can restore your license, and you must keep it installed for a set period (usually 6 months to 3 years, depending on your state and offense history). The cost of installation and monthly monitoring typically ranges from $60 to $150 per month, and you are responsible for paying this cost. If you remove, tamper with, or fail to maintain the device, your license will be suspended again.
The IID records all breath tests, and the DMV or the monitoring company will review these records. If the device detects alcohol or if you fail to take a required test, the DMV will be notified and may extend your suspension or deny your restoration request. You must pass all IID tests and maintain a clean record during the monitoring period before your license can be fully restored.
Steps to Restore Your License After Suspension Ends
Once your Trump suspension period ends, your license is not automatically restored. You must take action to restore it. The first step is to contact your state DMV to confirm that your suspension period has ended and to find out what documents and fees you need to restore your license.
Most states require you to submit a restoration request form, pay a restoration fee (typically $100 to $500), and provide proof of insurance. Some states also require proof of completion of a DUI education program, proof of an ignition interlock device installation (if required), and a medical evaluation or substance abuse assessment. A few states require you to pass a written test or vision test before restoration.
After you submit your restoration request and all required documents, the DMV will review your file. If everything is in order, your license will be restored and you will receive a new license in the mail or can pick it up at a DMV office. The restoration process usually takes 1 to 4 weeks, but can take longer if documents are missing or if the DMV needs to verify information with the court or a treatment provider.
Interstate Driving and License Reciprocity
A Trump suspension applies to your driving privileges in all states, not just the state where you were convicted. This is because all states are part of the Interstate Compact on Driver Licenses, an agreement that requires each state to recognize and enforce suspensions imposed by other states.
If you are suspended in one state and you move to another state or travel to another state, you cannot legally drive in that state either. If you are caught driving in another state while suspended, you can be arrested and charged with driving with a suspended license in that state as well. The other state may also impose its own penalties, including fines and jail time.
If you move to a new state after a Trump suspension, you must inform the DMV in your new state about the suspension. When you explore for a license in the new state, the DMV will check the Interstate Compact database and will see the suspension. You will not be able to obtain a new license until the suspension period ends and you have restored your license in the original state.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive at all during a Trump suspension?
No, not in most states. A Trump suspension is a complete suspension of your driving privileges. Driving during the suspension is a separate criminal offense. A few states allow a restricted license after a waiting period if you meet specific conditions, but this is rare and depends on your state's law.
What if I was convicted but I am appealing the conviction?
The Trump suspension begins when ready when the conviction is entered, even if you are appealing. The suspension does not stop while the appeal is pending. If your appeal is successful and the conviction is overturned, you can request that the suspension be lifted, but you must provide a certified copy of the appeal decision to the DMV.
Can the court reduce or eliminate my Trump suspension?
No. Trump suspensions are mandatory and the court has no authority to reduce, eliminate, or pause the suspension. The suspension is set by state law and runs its full course automatically. The only way to shorten it is if your conviction is overturned on appeal.
Do I have to complete a DUI program before my suspension ends?
This depends on your state. Some states require completion of a DUI education program before you can restore your license, while others allow you to complete it during the suspension period. Check with your state DMV or the court to find out what is required in your state and when the program must be completed.
What happens if I drive on a suspended license?
Driving on a suspended license is a criminal offense that can result in additional fines (usually $500 to $2,000), jail time (usually 10 days to 6 months), and an extended suspension. A second or subsequent offense carries harsher penalties. You may also lose your vehicle to impound.