You will need to check with the California Department of Motor Vehicles to find out if you will be required to have a SR-22 filing to get your license reinstated after this mandatory suspension of your driver's license. In most instances the SR22, filing of financial responsibility, is a requirement of getting your CA license reinstated.
Normally if you had been convicted of driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs (DUI) you would have to go through the following steps to get license reinstated:
- Complete a mandatory suspension period.
- Pay a reissue fee to DMV.
- File Proof of Financial Responsibility (California Insurance Proof Certificate, SR 22 )
- File a Notice of Completion Certificate (DL 101) (You must complete a Driving under the Influence [DUI] Treatment program.)
- Pay fines to the court.
If your suspension was due to the administrative license suspension program, known as “Admin Per Se” (APS), then you also normally would be required to file the SR22. The CA DMV lists that to reinstate your driving privilege after an APS suspension/revocation, you must:
- pay a $125 reissue fee to DMV. (Vehicle Code 14905)
- file proof of financial responsibility (i.e., a California Insurance Proof Certificate [SR 22], $35,000 cash deposit, surety bond, or self insurer certificate under VC 16430).
- maintain proof of financial responsibility for three years.
Even though you were not convicted of a DUI but your driver's license was still suspended for a period of time it is likely that the SR22 will still be required. The CA DMV can tell you for certain and tell you where in the California Vehicle Code you can look up the law regarding your situation and the requirement for the SR-22.