Facing a DMV APS Hearing? Understand What Comes Next.
DUI, chemical test refusal, under-21 matters, commercial drivers, and drug-related DUI can involve different Administrative Per Se procedures. Start by identifying the hearing type, notice date, and deadline that apply to your situation.
The APS process is separate from the criminal court case. We provide administrative hearing advocacy and support with the DMV-side requirements while making clear that we are not criminal defense attorneys.
Review the notice first
Identify the hearing type, deadline, evidence, and administrative requirements.
California APS hearing support — multiple case types
All APS Types10-Day DeadlineLicense DefenseBilingual 🇺🇸🇲🇽
APS Deadlines Can Move Quickly
Different APS matters can involve short hearing-request windows. Review the notice you received and choose the hearing type below to understand the process.
Explore California APS Hearing Types
Choose a hearing type to learn about the administrative process, possible consequences, and preparation considerations.
DUI APS Hearing
VC §13353.2
BAC .08% or higher. 4-month suspension (1st offense). You have 10 days to request a hearing to challenge the suspension.
Learn more →🚫Chemical Test Refusal
VC §13353
Refused breath or blood test. Mandatory 1-year suspension (1st offense) with NO restricted license. The harshest APS penalty.
Learn more →🎓Under 21 Zero Tolerance
VC §13353.1
Any BAC of .01% or higher if under 21. 1-year suspension. Zero tolerance means ANY amount of alcohol triggers APS.
Learn more →🚛Commercial Driver (CDL)
VC §13353.2
BAC .04% or higher with a CDL. Lose your commercial license for 1 year (1st) or permanently (2nd). Career-ending stakes.
Learn more →💊Drug-Related DUI
VC §13353.2
Positive drug test or officer determination of drug impairment. Same APS process as alcohol DUI with additional complications.
Learn more →⚠️Excessive BAC (.15+)
Enhanced
BAC of .15% or higher triggers enhanced penalties including longer DUI programs and potentially longer IID requirements.
Learn more →📋PAS / Preliminary Breath Test
VC §23612
Issues with the roadside preliminary alcohol screening test. PAS refusal has different rules than post-arrest chemical test refusal.
Learn more →How the APS Process Works
Automatic Trigger
Any qualifying incident — DUI arrest, test refusal, underage drinking, CDL violation — triggers the APS automatically. No court filing needed.
10-Day Countdown
You have exactly 10 calendar days from the incident to request a hearing. Miss it and your license is suspended with no hearing rights.
Pink Temporary License
The officer confiscates your license and issues a pink slip — your temporary license valid for 30 days (or until your hearing if requested on time).
Separate from Court
The APS hearing is 100% separate from criminal court. You could win in court and still lose your license at the DMV, or vice versa.
APS Suspension Lengths by Type
Penalties vary dramatically depending on what triggered your APS. Here's what you're facing:
DUI (.08+ BAC)
Chemical Test Refusal
Under 21 (.01+ BAC)
CDL (.04+ BAC)
Drug DUI
Excessive BAC (.15+)
Don't Face the DMV Alone
The APS process can move quickly while you are also dealing with the court case, insurance questions, and other consequences of an arrest. Keeping the DMV timeline organized can help you understand your options.
A hearing request may provide an opportunity to contest the administrative action. Eligibility, deadlines, and outcomes depend on the facts and the DMV notice in your case.
Get Your Free Case Review →How We Prepare Your APS Matter
Free Case Review
Tell us what happened and share the DMV notice. We identify the APS case type, timeline, and administrative issues that may need attention.
We Request Your Hearing
We help coordinate the hearing-request process with the DMV Driver Safety office and explain how a timely request may affect the administrative timeline.
Prepare for the Hearing
We help organize available evidence, test documentation, reports, procedural issues, and hearing preparation based on the administrative record.
APS Resources & Guides
SR-22 Insurance Guide
Everything you need to know about SR-22 filing requirements after an APS suspension.
🔧Ignition Interlock Device (IID)
IID requirements, approved providers, costs, and compliance rules for California.
🚗License Reinstatement
Step-by-step guide to getting your license back after an APS suspension.
📚DUI Classes California
DHCS-licensed DUI programs: 3-month, 9-month, 18-month, and 30-month options.
📖DMV Hearing Guide
Complete walkthrough of what to expect at your APS hearing and how to prepare.
⚖️ Important: We are trained DMV Administrative Per Se (APS) hearing advocates and licensed insurance professionals — not attorneys. We do not provide legal representation. For criminal DUI defense, consult a licensed attorney.
Free Case Evaluation
Takes 60 seconds • 100% confidential
What type of DMV hearing do you need?
Select the one that best matches your situation