Administrative Hearings

One Way Street Sign

If DMV orders a discretionary action against a person’s driving privilege, that person has the right to a hearing before DMV to challenge the action and review the evidence supporting it.

A person must request a hearing within 10 days of receiving notice of the action against their driving privilege. The hearings are recorded and are conducted remotely or in person. The hearing is held before a Driver Safety Hearing Officer from DMV.

Remote Hearings

DMV’s Driver Safety Branch may hold hearings remotely via Microsoft Teams videoconference. Information about your specific remote hearing can be found on your hearing notice:

Hearing Appointment Information in a Notice of Hearing. About halfway down the section, "Join By Video" and "Meeting Passcode" are highlighted.

Instructions for Participating in a Hearing via Microsoft Teams

In order to participate in the remote hearing, you must ensure that your computer or other device supports Microsoft Teams. Because using a computer’s or tablet’s internal microphone can create an unacceptable level of audio feedback, DMV recommends using an external headset or microphone, if possible.

You can join your remote hearing online or download Teams at the Microsoft Teams website. You are responsible for ensuring that your computer or device, as well as internet connection, meets the minimum system requirements for Teams.

You are responsible for connecting to and attending the hearing using the information provided in your subpoena or Notice of Hearing.

If you have questions about attending via Teams or want to request meeting link invitation by email, contact your local Driver Safety Office.

If you do not have access to a computer or other device capable of running Teams, you may connect to the hearing via telephone using the phone number and passcode provided in the Notice of Hearing.

At the hearing, the driver is informed of the legal grounds for the action, and has the opportunity to review and challenge the evidence of DMV, and to present evidence, witnesses, and testimony to persuade DMV to modify or rescind the action. The rules that control these hearings are found in the California Vehicle Code (CVC), the Government Code (Administrative Procedures Act), and in various Appellate and Supreme Court rulings.

Following the hearing, the Driver Safety Hearing Officer will make a decision to uphold (sustain), modify, or rescind (set aside) the DMV action.

Check the notice you received advising you of the action against your driving privilege. If the notice indicates you have the right to a hearing, you have 10 days following receipt of the notice to request a hearing.

You may do so by contacting a DMV Driver Safety Office. Be sure to identify yourself by your full name, your driver license number, and your date of birth. You will also be asked to verify your correct mailing address.

If you or a witness require a sign or language interpreter, please contact the Driver Safety Office to request that you be paired with an interpreter for the hearing.

If you request a hearing and do not attend the hearing, DMV will proceed with the case against you regardless.

Hearing locations are accessible to persons with disabilities. However, you should check with DMV in advance to make sure accessibility is possible.

In addition, if you know someone with special needs who plans to attend your hearing, please contact DMV as soon as possible so that we can make accommodations.

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