On January 1, 2016 the Secretary of State was authorized to issue driving permits called MDDP to first DUI offenders who wish to drive and file an application to do so. The MDDP had in the past only allowed DUI subjects to drive after serving the first 30 day "hard time" suspension before the permit would legally allow them to drive. The law changed and now persons in that position can legally drive on the very first day their DUI suspension begins. The process is exactly the same as before. A person receives the MDDP application from the Secretary of State with their confirmation of suspension following a DUI arrest. They typically receive the mail within 2 1/2 weeks after the date of arrest. The paperwork explains how the process takes place. After sending in the application and the appropriate fee the Secretary of State processes the permit and mails it to the motorist. The motorist, upon receipt, must arrange for a Breath Alcohol Ignition Interlock Device to be installed before the permit becomes valid. The motorist may then legally drive from the first day of their suspension until the period ends. At the conclusion of the suspension a reinstatment fee is paid to the Secretary of State and the BAIID removed from their vehicle.
This new law removes the most difficult poriton of handling a DUI from most persons' lives.
