When a driver is arrested for suspicion of Driving While Intoxicated, submits to chemical testing of their blood alchol content and the result of that test is over the legal limit (.08%) an automatic administrative action is taken against the driver's driving privilege.
This action is defined in RSMo. 302.525. For a first offense, the action will be an Administrative Suspension for 90 days. For a second or subsequent offense it will be a one year Administrative Revocation. In either case, the administrative action is automatic and independant of any criminal prosecution that may also occur.
The driver's license will be taken by the arresting officer. The driver will be given a piece of paper that the officer usually tells them is a temporary driving privilege for 15 days before their suspension begins. What it actually is is an official notice of suspension and rights to appeal the loss of license. It is very important because after on 15 days from the date of that notice, the driver loses his or her opportunity to appeal or challenge the suspension forever if they have not requested a hearing.
