California Vehicle Code 14603 VC – Restricted License Provisions

California Vehicle Code 14603 VC prohibits drivers granted a restricted license from violating the provisions of the license. These licenses are usually issued after an arrest or conviction for driving under the influence (DUI). They let people drive, but only in certain, limited circumstances.

The full text of the statute reads as follows:

14603 VC. No person shall operate a vehicle in violation of the provisions of a restricted license issued to him.

Legal Analysis

California Vehicle Code 14603 VC requires people with a restricted license to follow the restrictions set in place by the DMV. Restricted licenses give people the right to drive while their license is suspended, but only in certain, limited situations.¹

There are 2 types of restricted licenses in DUI cases:

• restricted licenses for employment, and
• restricted licenses requiring an ignition interlock device, or IID.

Complying with the terms of either of these restricted licenses will end with the driver being eligible to reinstate his or her full driving privileges.

A work-related restricted license lets a driver legally drive on the roads in order to get to and from work and court-ordered DUI courses. It also allows drivers to be on the road during the work day, for work-related purposes. Getting a work-related restricted license requires 4 things. After the arrest, the driver has to:

1. serve 30 days of his or her license suspension by not driving, at all,
2. get an SR-22 proof of insurance form,
3. enroll in a California DUI school and obtain proof of enrollment, and
4. pay a $125 fee to the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).²

Drivers who have been arrested for DUI can avoid these restrictions by applying for a restricted license that requires an ignition interlock device. These restricted licenses allow the driver to be on the road anywhere, anytime, for any reason. However, the driver has to pass the IID’s breathalyzer to start the motor vehicle. Drivers can apply for a restricted IID license immediately after installing the device. To get the license, drivers have to:

• provide proof of insurance with an SR-22 form,
• enroll in DUI school and provide proof of enrollment,
• provide proof that the IID device has been installed, and
• pay a $125 fee to the DMV.

People caught driving outside the bounds of their restricted license could get their restricted license revoked completely. Then they would be prohibited from driving at all for any purpose. And one point would be added to their driver’s record.³

Note that drivers can challenge a license suspension by requesting a DMV hearing. If the outcome of the DMV hearing goes against the driver, the suspension will go into effect. The driver can then begin the process of applying for a restricted license. DUI defendants may be ineligible for restricted licenses if:

• their DUI offense involved them driving on a suspended or revoked license, or
• they refused a chemical test during the DUI arrest.

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Legal References