Here is the scenario: Client has a pending DWI in Texas. He currently has a Texas Driver’s license but he is living in California.  If he sits out his 6 month license suspension in Texas and then Applies for a California license, will California give him a License and 2) will he be required to have SR-22 insurance in California 3) and if so how long? 

First, consult a DUI attorney in Texas to get legal advice specific to your situation in that state. According to one source he should apply for a CA license before his TX license gets suspended.  CA would only then suspend his CA license if it picks up on the TX suspension—that won’t likely happen unless the CA DMV has some reason to run his driving record (Texas potentially won’t report it out because he wasn’t licensed in CA at the time of the incident).

California is not going to require anything of him because the incident happened before he was licensed in CA.  However, he will want to get the TX suspension lifted asap and keep it lifted by maintaining the SR22 for the two years required on the Texas DUI case.

Top Rated DUI Attorney Matthew Ruff is licensed in California and is available for consultation on matters pertaining to CA laws. If you have questions, give Matt a call. Other information is available on this blog such as what are the consequences of an out of state dui on a California license and resources to understand how a drunk driving may impact a resident in this state.