Refusal to Submit to an Alcohol and/or Drug Test

Information 24/7 – If you have questions about a ticket, suspension, or revocation on your Missouri driver record, you may now call our new interactive voice response system at (573) 526-2407 - available 24 hours a day, 7days a week.

What is an Alcohol/Drug Test Refusal?

When a police officer stops you while driving and suspects you have been drinking or taking drugs, the officer may ask you to take some tests like walking heel to toe or standing on one leg.  These tests will help the officer decide if you should be arrested and submit to a test to determine the alcohol and/or drug level of your breath, blood, or urine. 

If you refuse to take the alcohol and/or drug test, your driver license will be taken away (revoked) for one year.

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How can I get my driver license back when it is revoked for refusal to submit to an alcohol and/or drug test?

Visit Reinstatement Requirements for Alcohol/Drug Test Refusals.

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When will I get my driver license back?

If you have met your reinstatement requirements and are otherwise eligible, you can get your driver license back one year from the starting date of your revocation. We will send the driver license back to you with your reinstatement notice.

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Can I have any type of driving privilege while I am serving my revocation on an alcohol/drug test refusal?

After you serve the first 90 days of your revocation, you may be eligible for a Limited Driving Privilege (LDP). Click on one of the following for more information.

NOTE: Only one LDP can be given to you in a five-year period. A person cannot obtain an LDP to drive a commercial motor vehicle.

Download and complete an Application for Limited Driving Privilege Application for Limited Driving Privilege (Form 4595). If you are eligible, an LDP may be issued to you after you file an SR-22 and an Ignition Interlock Device (IID), if required, with our office.

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Will I have to retake my test?

You are not required to retest upon reinstatement unless your driver license expired during the revocation period and has been expired for more than six months.

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What is an SR-22 insurance filing?

It is a form from your insurance company that shows you have liability insurance. (Click here to see an example of the SR-22 form)

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How long do I need the SR-22 insurance filing?

You need to file the SR-22 for two years from the starting date of your revocation.

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What is an Ignition Interlock Device (IID), and do I need one?

If your driving record shows more than one refusal to submit to an alcohol or drug test, you are required to have an IID installed on any vehicle you operate.

For information on IID requirements, click here.

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How long do I need to keep an Ignition Interlock Device (IID) on my vehicle?

If you are required to have an Ignition Interlock Device (IID) installed on your vehicle, the IID must be maintained for six months from the reinstatement date. You must report to a certified IID vendor each month for maintenance to ensure the device is working properly.

In the case you have a Limited Driving Privilege (LDP) and an IID installed, the IID must be maintained for the duration of the LDP.

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Why do I need to complete a Substance Abuse Traffic Offenders Program (SATOP)? I was not convicted.

If you have an alcohol offense, such as an alcohol or drug revocation on your driver record, the law requires you to complete a SATOP for reinstatement.

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Where do I get information about Substance Abuse Traffic Offenders Program (SATOP) classes?

For information on SATOP classes, click here.

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How do I request a hearing?

You must petition for a hearing before the Circuit or Associate Circuit Court in the county where the arrest or stop occurred. A petition for review must be filed within 30 days from the date the Notice of Revocation is issued.

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When will the alcohol or drug revocation come off my driver record?

"Refusal to submit to an alcohol and/or drug test" revocations are a permanent part of the record and can never be removed.

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