Georgia DUI Law – Department of Driver Services COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Updates

On March 30, 2020, the Department of Driver Services (“DDS” also known as the DMV) issued an update regarding court proceedings in a letter addressed to criminal defense attorneys in Georgia. This article serves to summarize those important updates provided by DDS.

What Services Are Available?

As of right now, DDS remains open for non- customer-facing services. These include online services, DDS 2 GO mobile app, and other services requiring headquartered staff. Customer-Facing services across the State will be closed until April 1, 2020. After April 1, services will resume, but by appointment only.

Reinstatements, replacement licenses, and driving history and reinstatement eligibility  may be processed online and through the DDS 2 GO app. You can check the status of your driver’s license at online.dds.ga.gov/dlstatus.

Driver’s License Expirations

All Georgia driver’s licenses with set to expire from March 14, 2020, through June 30, 2020, will receive an automatic 120 day extension. Cardholders should expect to have new credentials sent to them via mail.

FTA Suspensions

DDS recognizes those individuals with pending FTA suspensions will not be able to resolve their FTA issues with the courts since courts are closed or are offering only limited services at this time. Therefore, DDS is delaying FTA suspensions for an additional 60 days.  DDS urges customers to check their driving history through their online services.

ALS Hearings and Driving Privileges

Because the Office of State Administrative Hearings has suspended ALS Hearings, DDS has decided to extend the 45 day temporary driving permit (issued with 1205 form) for 90 days. This extension will enable drivers to continue driving until normal operations resume. Additionally, DDS will continue to process ALS hearing requests and has also extended the filing deadline for ALS hearings from 30 days to 120 days (measured by the date of arrest).

Requesting Ignition Interlock Driving Permits

DDS is granting customers requesting Ignition Interlock Limited Driving Permits more time for their requests given DDS Customer Service Centers will be closed until April 1. Once the Service Centers re-open, customers these permits will be able to obtain a permit beyond the 30 day deadline.

Contact Us

If you or someone you know has been arrested for DUI, contact the law firm of W. Scott Smith at 404.581.0999 for a free case evaluation. You’ll find a local Attorney ready to aggressively fight on your behalf.