If you've been arrested for DUI in Sacramento County, one of the first and most urgent questions on your mind is whether you can still drive to work. The loss of driving privileges can disrupt your livelihood, family obligations, and even your peace of mind. Let's break down how California law handles driving after a DUI arrest—and what specific steps you can take to keep yourself on the road legally.

1. Understanding the Immediate License Suspension

In California, when you're arrested for DUI, the officer will usually confiscate your physical driver's license and issue a pink DMV form called a “Notice of Suspension.” This notice serves as both:

• Your temporary driver's license for 30 days, and

• A formal notice that the DMV intends to suspend your license.

You have 10 calendar days from the date of arrest to request a DMV administrative hearing to challenge that suspension. If you do not request a hearing within those 10 days, your driving privileges will automatically be suspended when the 30-day temporary license expires.

2. The DMV Hearing: Your First Line of Defense

Requesting a DMV hearing is critical if you want to preserve your ability to drive. At this hearing, your attorney can:

• Challenge the lawfulness of the stop or arrest.

• Examine the breath or blood test evidence.

• Argue for a stay of the suspension while your criminal case proceeds.

A skilled Sacramento DUI lawyer can sometimes delay the suspension or even prevent it altogether at this stage.

3. Restricted License Options for Work

If the DMV upholds the suspension or your court case results in a conviction, you may still qualify for a restricted license that allows you to drive to and from work (and often to DUI school and medical appointments).

For first-time offenders in Sacramento County, California's Ignition Interlock Device (IID) program now allows you to:

• Install an IID in your vehicle immediately,

• Pay the required fees and proof of insurance (SR-22), and

• Drive without restrictions, even for non-work purposes.

Alternatively, if you do not install an IID, you may qualify for a work-restricted license after a mandatory suspension period—typically 30 days of no driving, followed by a 12-month restricted period.

4. Sacramento County-Specific Considerations

• Sacramento County DMV offices (such as the one on Broadway) can get backlogged—act quickly.

• The Sacramento County Superior Court at 720 9th Street handles most DUI cases—your court dates and DMV deadlines are separate processes.

• Local employers are often familiar with IID-equipped vehicles; communication with your employer about your restricted driving status can avoid workplace confusion.

5. Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Missing the 10-day DMV deadline – this is the single biggest error defendants make.

• Driving on a suspended license – this can result in additional charges, fines, and even jail time.

• Assuming a first DUI isn't serious – Sacramento prosecutors take DUI cases seriously, and local judges follow state-mandated penalties closely.

6. Steps to Take Immediately After Your Arrest

1. Mark your DMV deadline: Call within 10 days to request a hearing.

2. Contact a Sacramento DUI attorney: An experienced lawyer can request the hearing and begin your defense.

3. Gather paperwork: Hold on to your pink Notice of Suspension, arrest paperwork, and any bail documents.

4. Explore IID installation: If you're eligible and can afford the installation, this is the fastest way to stay on the road legally.

7. Bottom Line

Yes—you can usually keep driving to work after a DUI arrest in Sacramento County, but only if you take swift, proactive steps. California law provides pathways like DMV hearings, ignition interlock devices, and restricted licenses. Acting quickly and getting help from an experienced Sacramento DUI lawyer gives you the best chance to protect your driving privileges and minimize disruption to your daily life.