Administrative License Revocation Timeline

Critical deadlines and key milestones in the Texas ALR process for DWI license suspension.

15-Day Critical Deadline

You have only 15 days from arrest to request an ALR hearing. Missing this deadline results in automatic license suspension with no opportunity for challenge.

Complete ALR Timeline

Day 0
Arrest Day
Arrest and Notice
  • Officer serves DIC-25 notice (license suspension warning)
  • License physically taken if breath/blood test failed or refused
  • Temporary driving permit issued (good for 40 days)
  • ALR suspension begins 40 days from arrest unless hearing requested
  • Officer provides hearing request information
Days 1-15
Request Window
ALR Hearing Request Period
  • MUST request hearing by 15th day (count arrest as Day 1)
  • Request can be made by phone: (512) 424-2600
  • Written request can be mailed to ALR
  • Online request available through DPS website
  • $125 hearing fee required
  • Attorney can make request on your behalf
Day 40
Permit Expiration
Temporary Permit Expires
  • Temporary driving permit expires at midnight
  • If no hearing requested: License suspended immediately
  • If hearing requested: Driving privileges extended pending hearing
  • Cannot drive without valid license or permit
  • Driving after expiration = Driving While License Invalid (DWLI)
20-120 Days
Hearing Period
ALR Hearing Process
  • Hearing scheduled typically 20-120 days after request
  • Subpoenas issued for witnesses (usually arresting officer)
  • Discovery materials provided before hearing
  • Can be conducted by phone, video, or in person
  • Burden of proof on DPS to justify suspension
  • Decision issued within 15 days of hearing
Post-Hearing
Decision Period
Hearing Decision and Appeal
  • ALJ issues written decision within 15 days
  • If suspension upheld: Effective date set in decision
  • If suspension rescinded: No license action taken
  • 30 days to appeal decision to district court
  • Appeal bond may be required
  • Driving privileges may continue during appeal

ALR Suspension Periods

Scenario First Offense Second/Subsequent Notes
Failed Breath/Blood Test 90 days 1 year BAC 0.08% or higher
Refused Testing 180 days 2 years No occupational license for first 90 days
Under 21 - Any Detectable 60 days 120 days Zero tolerance for minors
Commercial License 1 year CDL disqualification Lifetime CDL disqualification Separate from regular license

Critical Deadlines Calculator

Count Forward from Arrest Date:
  • Day 15: Last day to request ALR hearing
  • Day 40: Temporary permit expires
  • Day 40: Suspension begins (if no hearing)
  • Hearing + 15 days: Decision due
  • Decision + 30 days: Appeal deadline
  • Various: Reinstatement eligibility
Weekend/Holiday Rules:

If the 15th day falls on a weekend or holiday, the deadline extends to the next business day. However, don't risk it - file early!

Common Timeline Mistakes

Mistake: Not counting arrest day as Day 1. Many people start counting the day after arrest, which shortens the deadline by one day and can result in missing the 15-day window.

Mistake: Many people hire criminal attorneys but don't confirm ALR representation. These are separate proceedings requiring separate representation arrangements.

Mistake: Waiting to see what happens with criminal charges before requesting ALR hearing. The 15-day deadline is absolute and doesn't depend on criminal case status.

Mistake: Filing hearing request without required fee or complete information, resulting in rejection and automatic suspension.

Strategic Timeline Considerations

Benefits of Requesting ALR Hearing:
  • Extended driving time: Continue driving until hearing decision
  • Discovery opportunity: Obtain police reports and evidence early
  • Officer deposition: Cross-examine arresting officer under oath
  • Criminal case strategy: Gain insights for criminal defense
  • Possible dismissal: Officer may not appear or evidence may be insufficient
  • Negotiation leverage: May encourage plea negotiations in criminal case
Even If You Plan to Plead Guilty:

Request the ALR hearing anyway. You can always withdraw it later, but you cannot get back driving time lost to unnecessary suspension.

Don't Miss the ALR Deadline!

Time is critical in ALR cases. Missing the 15-day deadline means automatic license suspension with no opportunity to challenge it.

Get Attorney Referral ALR Hearing Guide