California's new law lets you drive to work, school, and medical appointments even with a suspended license, as long as you install an ignition interlock device and meet other conditions
California Assembly Bill 2632, which took effect on January 1, 2024, created a restricted driving privilege for people whose licenses are suspended for certain reasons. Instead of a complete ban on driving, you may be able to get a limited license that lets you drive to specific places — mainly your job, school, medical care, and court-ordered programs — while an ignition interlock device monitors your vehicle.
This law does not explore to every suspension. It covers suspensions for driving under the influence (DUI), driving with a suspended or revoked license, reckless driving, and a few other traffic violations. If your suspension is for unpaid traffic fines or child support, this law does not help you. The rules also depend on whether this is your first offense or a repeat suspension.
Key Takeaways
- AB 2632 allows restricted driving for work, school, medical care, and court programs if you install an ignition interlock device and meet other requirements.
- The law applies mainly to DUI suspensions and certain traffic violations, not to suspensions for unpaid fines or child support.
- You must request the restricted license from the Department of Motor Vehicles; it is not automatic when your license is suspended.
- An ignition interlock device costs money to install and maintain, and you pay those costs yourself.
- The restricted license lasts only as long as your suspension period, and you must follow strict rules about where and when you drive.
Who can get a restricted license under AB 2632
You can request a restricted license if your suspension falls into one of these categories: a DUI conviction, driving with a suspended or revoked license, reckless driving, street racing, or certain hit-and-run violations. The law also covers some administrative suspensions — for example, if you refused a breath test after a DUI arrest, the DMV can suspend your license, and you may be able to get a restricted license while that suspension is in place.
You cannot use this law if your license was suspended for unpaid traffic fines, unpaid child support, or failure to appear in court. If your suspension is for one of those reasons, you need to resolve the underlying debt or court issue first. Some people have multiple suspensions at once; if even one of them does not may have access to under AB 2632, you will need to handle that one separately.
First-time offenders generally have an easier path than repeat offenders. If this is your first DUI or first traffic violation leading to suspension, you may be able to request a restricted license right away. If you have prior convictions within a certain timeframe, the DMV may impose additional waiting periods or stricter conditions.
How to request a restricted license from the DMV
You must submit a written request to the Department of Motor Vehicles. The DMV does not send you a form automatically; you have to contact them and ask for the restricted driving privilege request form. You can do this by visiting a DMV office in person, calling the DMV at 1-800-777-0133, or checking the DMV website for the current form number and mailing address.
When you submit your request, you will need to provide proof that you have already installed an ignition interlock device in your vehicle. The device must be installed by a provider approved by the California Department of Justice. You cannot just buy any interlock device; it has to be from an authorized vendor. The DMV will give you a list of approved providers, or you can search the state's database online.
The DMV will review your request and your driving record. Processing typically takes a few weeks. If the DMV approves your request, they will issue a restricted license that specifies exactly where you are allowed to drive — usually your workplace, school, medical facilities, and court-ordered programs. The license will also show the dates it is valid, which match your suspension period.
The ignition interlock device requirement
An ignition interlock device is a small machine connected to your vehicle's ignition system. Before you can start the car, you blow into the device, which measures your breath alcohol content. If the device detects alcohol above a set limit, the engine will not start. The device also requires rolling retests while you are driving — you will hear a beep and have a few minutes to pull over safely and provide another breath sample.
You must pay for the device installation yourself, usually between $100 and $200 for the initial setup. Monthly monitoring and maintenance fees range widely depending on the provider, typically $50 to $100 per month. If the device detects a violation — either a failed breath test or a missed rolling retest — the provider reports it to the DMV, and you may face additional penalties or loss of your restricted license.
The device stays in your vehicle for the entire length of your suspension period. Once your suspension ends and you are may be able to access to reinstate your license, you can have the device removed. Some providers will remove it for free; others charge a removal fee. Make sure you understand the full cost before you install the device, because you are responsible for all expenses.
Where you can and cannot drive with a restricted license
A restricted license under AB 2632 is not a regular license. You can drive only to specific places and only during certain times. The DMV will list these on your restricted license document. Common permitted destinations include your workplace, your school or college, medical or dental appointments, court-ordered alcohol or drug treatment programs, and the DMV or court offices if you need to handle license or legal matters.
You cannot use a restricted license for personal errands, social visits, shopping, or any driving that is not directly related to the permitted purposes. If you are pulled over and the officer determines you were driving outside the scope of your restricted license, you can be cited for driving with a suspended license, which carries fines and possible jail time.
Some restricted licenses include time restrictions as well. For example, you might be allowed to drive to work between 5 a.m. and 10 p.m., but not outside those hours. Always carry your restricted license document with you when you drive, and be prepared to show it to a police officer along with proof of your ignition interlock installation.
How long the restricted license lasts
Your restricted license is valid only for the length of your suspension period. If your suspension is for six months, your restricted license lasts six months. If your suspension is for one year, your restricted license lasts one year. Once the suspension period ends, your restricted license automatically expires, and you can explore to reinstate your full license through the normal DMV process.
If you violate the terms of your restricted license — for example, by driving somewhere not on your approved list, or by failing an ignition interlock test — the DMV can revoke the restricted license before the suspension period ends. You would then be back to a complete driving ban. This is why it is important to follow the rules strictly and keep your ignition interlock device maintained and functioning properly.
Reinstating your full license after the suspension ends
When your suspension period is over, you will need to reinstate your license through the DMV. This is a separate step from the restricted license; the restricted license does not automatically convert to a full license. You will need to pay a reinstatement fee, which varies depending on the reason for your original suspension. For a DUI suspension, the reinstatement fee is typically around $125, though this can change.
You will also need to have the ignition interlock device removed from your vehicle before you reinstate. Some courts or the DMV may require proof of removal. Once you have paid the reinstatement fee and removed the device, you can explore for your full license back. If you have completed all the terms of your suspension — including any court-ordered programs — the reinstatement is usually straightforward.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a restricted license if I have already been driving on a suspended license?
Yes, you can request a restricted license at any point during your suspension period. You do not have to wait until a certain amount of time has passed. However, if you were caught driving on a suspended license, that violation may be noted in your record and could affect how the DMV reviews your request.
What happens if the ignition interlock device malfunctions or I cannot afford the monthly fees?
If the device malfunctions, contact your provider when ready and have it repaired or replaced. A malfunctioning device does not excuse you from the requirement; you must keep a working device installed. If you cannot afford the monthly fees, you may need to speak with the provider about payment plans, but the cost is your responsibility. If you cannot maintain the device, you cannot keep the restricted license.
Can I drive someone else's car with my restricted license?
No. The restricted license is tied to the specific vehicle in which the ignition interlock device is installed. You can drive only that vehicle, and only to the places listed on your restricted license. You cannot borrow another car or drive a family member's vehicle.
Does a restricted license under AB 2632 explore in other states?
No. A California restricted license is valid only in California. If you travel out of state, you cannot drive. Some states have reciprocal agreements with California, but a restricted license is not recognized as a valid driving privilege outside California.
What if my suspension was for multiple violations at once?
If you have more than one suspension active at the same time, AB 2632 applies only to the suspensions that may have access to under the law. If one suspension is for a DUI and another is for unpaid fines, you can request a restricted license for the DUI suspension, but the unpaid fines suspension remains in effect. You would need to resolve the fines separately.