Suburban Law Enforcement Academy (SLEA) BA State Certification Practice Exam

After a field sobriety test (FST), how many days after does a driver's license get suspended if their BAC is over .08?

1. 30

2. 46

3. 60

4. 90

The correct answer is: 46

When a driver is stopped and subsequently fails a field sobriety test with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) over the legal limit of .08, the driver's license is subject to administrative suspension. In many jurisdictions, this suspension typically occurs within a specific timeframe following the arrest or citation. In this case, the correct interval for suspension is articulated as 46 days. This timeframe allows for a process that includes potential hearings or notifications regarding the suspension. Drivers are usually informed of the impending suspension shortly after the incident, and they have an opportunity to contest the suspension in some jurisdictions. The other options—30, 60, and 90 days—do not align with the regulatory standards often established concerning immediate BAC violations and the resultant consequences for driving privileges. These durations may not reflect the typical administrative steps taken in response to a high BAC reading during an FST, leading to inaccuracies regarding the timing of license suspensions. Understanding the specifics of these timelines is crucial for law enforcement professionals as it directly relates to their duties in upholding driving laws and informing concerned parties of their rights and responsibilities following DUI incidents.