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HomeVehicle CodeDiv. 6Ch. 2Art. 4§ 13559 Driver License Suspension Review

§ 13559 Driver License Suspension Review

Vehicle Code·California
AI Summary·Official Text·Key Terms·Related Statutes·References
AI SummaryVerified

§ 13559 Driver License Suspension Review

This law says if the DMV takes away your driver's license, you can ask a court to check if the DMV was fair. But you still can't drive while the court checks.

Key Takeaways

  • •You have 30 days to ask a court to review the DMV's decision.
  • •You can't drive while waiting for the court's decision.
  • •The court only looks at the DMV's records, not new evidence.
  • •Even if the court says the DMV was wrong, it doesn't affect a criminal case.

Example

You got your license taken away after a DUI, but you think the DMV made a mistake.

You can ask a court to look at your case, but you still can't drive until the court decides. If the court agrees the DMV messed up, they can give your license back.

AI-generated — May contain errors. Not legal advice. Always verify source.

Official Source
View on CA.gov

§ 13559 Driver License Suspension Review

(a) Notwithstanding Section 14400 or 14401, within 30 days of the issuance of the notice of determination of the department sustaining an order of suspension or revocation of the person’s privilege to operate a motor vehicle after the hearing pursuant to Section 13558, the person may file a petition for review of the order in the court of competent jurisdiction in the person’s county of residence. The filing of a petition for judicial review shall not stay the order of suspension or revocation. The review shall be on the record of the hearing and the court shall not consider other evidence. If the court finds that the department exceeded its constitutional or statutory authority, made an erroneous interpretation of the law, acted in an arbitrary and capricious manner, or made a determination which is not supported by the evidence in the record, the court may order the department to rescind the order of suspension or revocation and return, or reissue a new license to, the person. (b) A finding by the court after a review pursuant to this section shall have no collateral estoppel effect on a subsequent criminal prosecution and does not preclude litigation of those same facts in the criminal proceeding. (Amended by Stats. 1990, Ch. 431, Sec. 12. Effective July 26, 1990.)

Last verified: January 9, 2026

Key Terms

petition for revieworder of suspension or revocationcollateral estoppel effectsubsequent criminal prosecution

Related Statutes

  • § 13558 Driver License Suspension Hearings
  • § 13550 License Suspension After Conviction
  • § 13551 License Suspension Surrender Rules
  • § 13552 Nonresident Driver License Suspension
  • § 13553 Unlicensed Driver Penalties

References

  • Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
  • California Legislature. Vehicle Code. Section 13559.
View Official Source