Massachusetts Requirements

Massachusetts OUI Laws

Administrative: This happens if you fail a breath test, or refuse to take one in the state of Massachusetts. Your license is confiscated immediately and will either be suspended or revoked, depending on your record of prior offenses. You will receive a temporary driving permit which will allow you to drive for 15 days to get your affairs in order.

Judicial:

This occurs when you are sentenced by a court after a trial or plea agreement. Even if you are not convicted of OUI in Massachusetts court, it’s possible to still undergo an administrative suspension. If you want to challenge the administrative suspension, you must do so within 15 days of your arrest. If you do not, or if your challenge is unsuccessful, your license will be suspended for 30 days starting 16 days after your arrest.

Massachusetts has a lifetime lookback period, meaning that prosecutors can use any DUI conviction in your past, regardless of how many years ago it happened, to escalate your penalties. All multiple OUI offenders must have an ignition interlock (IID) installed. If you need to drive for work, you can apply for a hardship license. If you are eligible for a hardship license, you must use the IID for the period of the hardship license, and then two years after that. If you are eligible for license reinstatement, you must use the IID for two years after your license is reinstated. A court may also order the IID to be installed for any reason and can prescribe the length of time it must be used.

Fines and jail time are also possible sanctions for operating under the influence in Massachusetts. For an overview of OUI laws and regulations in Massachusetts, check here.

Need more information? Speak with one of our Massachusetts state experts for answers to all of your interlock questions.