What Happens at the San Diego DMV Mandatory Actions Unit After a DUI?
If you’ve been arrested for DUI in San Diego, your first thought is usually the court date. But there’s another part of the process that catches people off guard, the San Diego DMV Mandatory Actions Unit. This is the division that handles every license suspension tied to a DUI arrest. And depending on what you do within the first 10 days, the DMV can either put your license on hold or suspend it automatically.
Most people don’t realize that the DMV moves faster than the court, and if you don’t take action right away, the DMV will suspend your driving privilege long before your case ever reaches a prosecutor or judge.
Here’s what actually happens behind the scenes at the DMV Mandatory Actions Unit, and why your first step after a DUI should always be speaking with an experienced San Diego DUI attorney.
The Mandatory Actions Unit Isn’t Local
Even though your arrest happened in San Diego, the DMV Mandatory Actions Unit is centrally located and handles DUI-related suspensions statewide. That means your case is processed by a unit that follows strict administrative rules, not the facts of your arrest or what happened roadside.
Once the arresting agency files your paperwork, the Mandatory Actions Unit automatically enters a pending suspension in the system, and the clock starts ticking. If you do nothing, the DMV will suspend your license 30 days from the arrest date, no questions asked.
Your 10-Day Deadline: Request the DMV Hearing or Lose Your License
This is the step most people miss. You have 10 days from the date of your arrest to request what’s called an Administrative Per Se (APS) Hearing. This hearing is your only chance to stop or delay the automatic suspension.
Calling any random DMV office isn’t enough, it must be specifically requested from the DMV Driver Safety Office that covers San Diego cases. Once the request is made properly, the Mandatory Actions Unit places a “stay” on the suspension. Your license remains valid while the hearing is scheduled, and evidence is reviewed.
If you miss this deadline? The DMV Mandatory Actions Unit proceeds with the suspension, and you lose the ability to fight it.
This is one of the main reasons people contact San Diego DUI attorney, Rick Mueller, immediately after a DUI arrest. He makes sure the hearing is requested correctly and on time, and that the Mandatory Actions Unit pauses any suspension while the case is prepared.
How the Mandatory Actions Unit Reviews Your Case
Once the DMV hearing is requested, the Mandatory Actions Unit collects and reviews the evidence tied to your DUI arrest. This usually includes:
- The arresting officer’s sworn report
- Any breath or blood test results
- Notes from the traffic stop
- Field sobriety testing details
- Any refusal documentation
Unlike a criminal court, the DMV doesn’t look at guilt or innocence. They only evaluate:
- Was the stop lawful?
- Was the arrest lawful?
- Was your BAC 0.08% or higher, or did you refuse?
The Mandatory Actions Unit staff and the DMV hearing officer rely heavily on the officer’s report, which isn’t always accurate, complete, or consistent. A skilled DUI attorney knows how to challenge the evidence, point out inconsistencies, and get key documents thrown out.
What to Expect During the DMV Hearing
The hearing is usually held by phone unless you or your attorney request otherwise. It’s far less formal than a court appearance, but the stakes are just as serious because the Mandatory Actions Unit uses the hearing outcome to decide whether your license stays active or gets suspended.
During the hearing:
- The hearing officer presents the DMV’s evidence
- Your attorney can object to documents, challenge procedures, and cross-examine witnesses if necessary
- Additional evidence can be submitted to rebut the DMV’s case
The Mandatory Actions Unit reviews the hearing officer’s findings afterward. If the DMV can’t meet its burden of proof, even on one technical point, they must set aside the suspension.
That’s how many clients keep their license, even when their criminal DUI case is still pending.
If the Suspension Goes Through
If the Mandatory Actions Unit decides to uphold the suspension, they’ll issue a formal notice outlining:
- The length of the suspension
- When you’re eligible for a restricted license
- What you must complete (such as DUI school or SR-22 insurance)
- The steps to reinstate driving privileges
Many people are surprised to learn they may qualify for a work-restricted or IID-restricted license sooner than expected, especially with the right legal guidance.
Why You Shouldn’t Deal With the Mandatory Actions Unit Alone
The DMV process is fast-moving, procedural, and easy to mishandle if you’re not familiar with it. People who try to handle the DMV side of their DUI on their own often make mistakes simply because the system is designed to move quickly and without much explanation.
Rick Mueller is a Certified California DUI Defense Specialist who has handled thousands of DMV hearings. He knows exactly how the Mandatory Actions Unit operates, what evidence matters, and how to keep clients driving while their criminal case is being resolved.
Many DUI cases start with saving your license, and the sooner you contact a qualified attorney, the stronger your position will be.
If you’ve been arrested for DUI in San Diego, don’t wait for the DMV to suspend your license. Contact San Diego DUI Lawyer Rick Mueller immediately so he can request your hearing, protect your driving privileges, and begin building a strategy tailored to your specific case.
What Happens at the San Diego DMV Mandatory Actions Unit After a DUI?