With a 1st lifetime DUI conviction (for DUI-alcohol only), most judges will provide you with a certificate of first offense that may allow you to receive a limited driving permit, which is good for up to a year. After 120 days, you are eligible for full reinstatement of your driving privileges. However, if you are charged with any of the DUI-drugs offenses or if you have a pending administrative license suspension, you will not be eligible for a limited driving permit.

Contrary to what many people believe, the criminal court's issuance of a certificate of first offense does not “override” the administrative license suspension process. Even if you submitted to the state-administered breath test and would otherwise be entitled to a limited permit after the administrative license suspension hearing, you are not eligible for the limited permit after you are convicted of DUI if the administrative license suspension hearing was sustained (and you are serving that suspension) or if the administrative license suspension is still outstanding.

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