DMV Orders

What is an Order from the California Department of Motor Vehicles?

 All California drivers will receive some type of correspondence from the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) at one time or another.   If a driver receives documentation from the DMV that is entitled “Order” this means the department has made a decision regarding a person’s privilege to drive and the Order defines what action will be taken.

Essentially, an “Order” informs a driver that a decision has already been made and what action the department is taking.  In most cases, the Order will also inform the driver what action they can take to protect their driving privilege.

The most common Notices received by drivers are:

• Order of Suspension/Revocation: This Order is normally issued by the DMV when the department concludes that a person has violated some category of law requiring the withdrawal of the driving privilege; or that the driver no longer possesses the Skill, the Knowledge, or the Physical/Mental capacity to drive.
• Order of Disqualification: This Order is normally issued by the DMV when the department concludes that a Commercial Driver no longer qualifies to operate commercial vehicles.  This Order disqualifies a driver from operating Commercial vehicles and downgrades the person to a Class “C” driver license.
• Order of Set Aside or Reinstatement: This Order is normally issued by the DMV when the department has decided to reinstate the driving privilege of a person’s whose license had been previously suspended or revoked.
• Order of Refusal/Suspension/Cancellation of a California Special Driver Certificate:This Order is normally issued by the DMV when the department concludes there is reason to deny the issuance of, or order the suspension/revocation of a Special Certificate. This normally affects people with Special Certificates to operate Ambulances, School Buses or Tow Trucks.

• Order of Restriction: This Order is usually issued by the DMV when the Department has decided to restrict the driving privilege of a Commercial Driver.  For example, the department may elect to allow a driver to maintain their Class “A” Commercial Driver License, but restrict them to only driving within the State.  The Order may also restrict a Commercial Driver from hauling Hazardous Material or transporting passengers.

What action should I take after receiving an “Order” from the DMV?

 Everything the DMV does is time sensitive so you should assume the Order provides you a specific period of time to react.  In most instances where the Order is advising the driver that their privilege to drive is being suspended, the accused person only has 10-14 days to make contact to request a hearing.

Take the time to read the order carefully and be familiar with the specific information regarding when the action will take affect and why.  If you need assistance understanding the content of a DMV Order, you can contact a DMV Administrative Advocate for assistance.