What happens to my license if I have an Out of State License and I Refused a Blood test or Breathalyzer in Georgia?
The answer to this questions depends on the state in which you are currently licensed. There is an important distinction between license suspensions for refusing to take the breath/blood test in Georgia, and license suspensions for being convicted of DUI in Georgia.
ALABAMA:
If I refuse a blood/breath test in Georgia, will Alabama suspend my license? No. Alabama does not honor an out-of-state administrative license suspension. This means even if Georgia seizes your Alabama license for refusing to take the blood/breath test, Alabama will not take any action against your Alabama license. Note, however, that Georgia can (and will) suspend/revoke your "privilege to drive on the Highways" of Georgia. In essence, you just can't drive in Georgia.
If I am convicted of DUI in Georgia, will Alabama suspend my license? Yes.
- 1st Offense – 90 day hard suspension (no work permit).
- 2nd Offense – 1 year hard suspension.
CALIFORNIA:
If I refuse a blood/breath test in Georgia, will California suspend my license? Yes. This means you absolutely have to challenge the Georgia license suspension. Remember that challenging this action by the Georgia officer must be done within 30 days (otherwise you will have waived your ability to challenge the suspension and the suspension will be permanent). See our, The Police Took My License, What Now? page for more information.
- 1st Offense – 1 year hard suspension (no work permit)
- 2nd Offense – 2 year hard suspension (no work permit).
If I am convicted of DUI in Georgia, will California suspend my license? Yes.
- 1st Offense – 30 day hard suspension (no work permit); 5 month restricted license (may require an ignition interlock device)
- 2nd Offense – 1 year hard suspension followed by 1 year restricted license.
FLORIDA:
If I refused a blood/breath test in Georgia, will Florida suspend my license? No. Florida will NOT suspend your license. This means even if Georgia seizes your Florida license for refusing to take the blood/breath test, Florida will not take any action against your Florida license. Note, however, that Georgia can (and will) suspend/revoke your "privilege to drive on the Highways" of Georgia. In essence, you just can't drive in Georgia.
If I am convicted of DUI in Georgia, will Florida will suspend my license? Yes
- 1st Offense – 6 month license suspension (but you can obtain a work permit after proof of completion of DUI school); NOTE: an ignition interlock is required for BAC's above 0.15.
- 2nd Offense – 1 year hard suspension followed by 1 year ignition interlock license.
See our "Florida Driver's Who Get DUIs in Georgia" page for more detailed information.
NEW YORK:
If I refuse a blood/breath test in Georgia, will New York suspend my license? No. New York does not honor an out-of-state administrative license suspension (unless you have a CDL). This means even if Georgia seizes your New York license for refusing to take the blood/breath test, New York will not take any action against your NY license. Note, however, that Georgia can (and will) suspend/revoke your "privilege to drive on the Highways" of Georgia. In essence, you just can't drive in Georgia.
If I am convicted of DUI in Georgia, will New York suspend my license? Yes.
- 1st Offense – 90 day suspension. However, you can get a work permit.
NORTH CAROLINA:
If I refused a blood/breath test in Georgia, will North Carolina suspend my license? Possibly. There is no clear answer here. NC could adopt the refusal and suspend your license. Call the main DMV in Raleigh and punching your license number into their automated system to find out if your license is valid or not. The number is (919) 715-7000.
If I am convicted of DUI in Georgia, will North Carolina suspend my license? Yes. North Carolina will treat your Georgia DUI conviction as though it had happened in North Carolina.
SOUTH CAROLINA:
If I refuse a blood/breath test in Georgia, will South Carolina suspend my license? No. South Carolina will NOT suspend your license. This means even if Georgia seizes your SC license for refusing to take the blood/breath test, SC will not take any action against your SC license. Note, however, that Georgia can (and will) suspend/revoke your "privilege to drive on the Highways" of Georgia. In essence, you just can't drive in Georgia.
If I am convicted of DUI in Georgia, will South Carolina suspend my license? Yes.
- 1st Offense – 6 month license suspension.
- 2nd Offense – 1 year hard suspension.
See our "South Carolina Drivers who Get DUIs in Georgia" page for more detailed information.
TENNESSEE:
If I refuse a blood/breath test in Georgia, will Tennessee suspend my license? Yes. This means you absolutely have to challenge the Georgia license suspension. Remember that challenging this action by the Georgia officer must be done within 30 days (otherwise you will have waived your ability to challenge the suspension and the suspension will be permanent). See our, The Police Took My License, What Now? page for more information.
- 1st Offense – 1 year suspension. You can get a hardship license, but must also get an ignition interlock.
- 2nd Offense – 2 year suspension. 1 year is a hard suspension (no work permit). After that 1 year hard suspension, you can get a hardship license, but must also get an ignition interlock.
If I am convicted of DUI in Georgia, will Tennessee suspend my license? Yes.
- 1st Offense – 1 year suspension. You can get a hardship license, but must also get an ignition interlock.
- 2nd Offense – 2 year suspension. You can get a hardship license, but must also get an ignition interlock.
TEXAS:
If I refuse a blood/breath test in Georgia, will Texas suspend my license? The answer here is unclear. Call us for more information at 770.249.4405.
If I am convicted of DUI in Georgia, will Texas suspend my license? Yes.
- 1st Offense – suspension between 90 days and 1 year.
- 2nd Offense – suspension between 180 days and 2 years.