Updated March 23, 2026
Getting your driver’s license back after an OUI in Maine can be confusing, especially when both the Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) and the court may impose separate license suspensions. Depending on your case, you may face a suspension of at least 150 days or longer if you refused a chemical test. Understanding how these penalties work is the first step toward restoring your driving privileges.
Many drivers want to know:
- How do I get my license back after an OUI in Maine?
- Can I get it back early?
- Am I eligible for a work-restricted license?
The answer depends on factors from prior OUI offenses to the completion of programs such as the DEEP course or the installation of an ignition interlock device.
In this guide, we break down the license reinstatement process in Maine, including eligibility for early reinstatement, required steps, and how an experienced OUI defense attorney can help you get back on the road as quickly as possible.
Eligibility for License Reinstatement After an OUI in Maine
To get your driver’s license back after an OUI suspension in Maine, you must meet specific reinstatement requirements set by the Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles. In most cases, this includes paying the required reinstatement fee and completing the Driver Education and Evaluation Program (DEEP). Until both steps are completed, your driving privileges will not be restored.
DEEP is a state-required alcohol education program that plays a key role in the reinstatement process. In some cases, additional substance use evaluation, treatment, or counseling may also be recommended after the program is finished. Completing DEEP as early as possible can be important, especially if you want to pursue early reinstatement options or show the court that you are taking the charge seriously.
Ignition Interlock Device (IID) in Maine
Option #1 is the most popular choice: installation of an ignition interlock device (IID). In order to get an IID, you have to satisfy the following requirements:
- You must first serve 30 days of suspension time;
- You must have completed the DEEP course;
- You must have paid all reinstatement fees;
- You must have completed your ignition interlock device application and submit it to the Bureau of motor vehicles prior to scheduling your IID installation appointment.
If you complete all the foregoing requirements, you should be eligible for reinstatement. The difficulty is, many people do not complete DEEP until they’ve actually been convicted of the crime of OUI. It takes time to complete DEEP and as a result, those folks who do not complete it early on will likely have to wait longer than 30 days before completion of deep and being eligible to have their IID installed. Don’t be that person.
If you opt for the IID option, you will need to contract the IID directly through the manufacturer. The BMV does not assist you with this. Your attorney can provide you with this information if he or she is someone that concentrates in DUI defense. Keep in mind that you must pay for the installation, maintenance, rental, and removal of the device.
Getting an IID is not cheap. But it sure as heck beats the alternative of walking or being unable to care for your family because you can’t get to work or the grocery store.
Serve 2/3 of OUI Suspension Time
Option #2 is serve two thirds of your suspension time; pay all of your reinstatement fees; complete the DEEP course. Let’s use an example: you are just convicted of a 1st OUI offense in Maine. The court suspended your driver’s license for a period of 150 days. You complete DEEP in a timely fashion; you pay your $50 reinstatement fee; and you serve 100 days of the suspension time. As long as you have completed the foregoing requirements, the Bureau of motor vehicles will reinstate your license on a work restricted basis for the last 50 days of the 150-day suspension period.
Serve Entire OUI Suspension Time
Option #3: Serve the entirety of your suspension time; pay all your reinstatement fees; complete the deep course. For a very small segment of the population, this may be the best alternative. However, for most of my clients, this would be an unacceptable option and one they would not choose to exercise.
One of the most important things to remember is that you must always complete DEEP prior to reinstatement of your license.
Contact The Maine Criminal Defense Group For Help Now
Talk with your defense attorney and decide together which option is best for you. If you have any questions or need the assistance of a skilled OUI/DUI/DWI defense attorney, call The Maine Criminal Defense Group or contact us directly online for help today in protecting your rights and securing your freedom.
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