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Georgia DUI Laws

Georgia DUI Defense

What you're facing, what the deadlines are, and the questions your attorney needs to answer — specific to Georgia (GA) law.

BAC Limit

0.08

Enhanced BAC

0.15

Higher penalties above this

Lookback Period

10 years

Prior offenses count within

30 days-Day DMV Hearing Deadline

In Georgia, you have 30 days days from your arrest to request an administrative DMV hearing. Miss this deadline and your license suspension goes into effect automatically — even if the criminal case is later dismissed.

First Offense Penalties in Georgia

Jail TimeMinimum 24 hours, up to 1 year
Fines$300 – $1,000
License Suspension12 months (limited permit available after 120 days)
Ignition InterlockRequired for high BAC or refusal

Implied Consent & Test Refusal

Like all 50 states, Georgia has an implied consent law — by driving on Georgia roads, you've already agreed to submit to a chemical test (breath, blood, or urine) if an officer has probable cause to believe you're impaired.

Refusal Penalty

1-year license suspension

Georgia-Specific Detail

Georgia requires a mandatory clinical evaluation and completion of a DUI risk reduction course (DUI school) for reinstatement. The 30-day administrative license suspension hearing request window is longer than most states.

Is your Georgia DUI defense on track?

The Defense Milestone Score checks 10 critical defense behaviors specific to DUI cases. Takes 2 minutes. Instant results.

Take the Free Defense Score

DUI Defense Playbook$97

26 questions your DUI attorney hopes you never ask, a case stage roadmap, red flag checklist, and a case progress scorecard. Instant PDF download — calibrated for Georgia DUI defendants.

Important: This page provides general legal information about Georgia DUI laws as of the date of publication. Laws change frequently. This is not legal advice. Consult a Georgia-licensed attorney for guidance specific to your case.