A limited license, otherwise commonly known as a “work permit,” is an option for people to drive who have had their privileges withdrawn. Faced with the prospect of not being able to drive for an extended period of time, a limited license is a great option for a lot of people.
Limited licenses may be issued to those who had their license:
- Suspended for habitual violations, underage drinking and driving, failure to pay child support, and some instances of criminal vehicular operation
- Revoked, cancelled, or denied for:
- No vehicle insurance, upon proof of valid insurance;
- DWI test refusal, if a first-time offense within 10 years;
- DWI test refusal, if enrolled in the ignition interlock program;
- DWI test failure, if a first-time offense within 10 years and test results were below .16;
- DWI test failure, if enrolled in ignition interlock program;
- Some instances of criminal vehicular homicide or operation, if no drugs or alcohol were involved and no bodily harm resulted;
- Fleeing a peace officer in a motor vehicle;
- Failure to stop for a car accident involving death or injury;
- False statements regarding vehicle ownership;
- Habitual moving violations;
- Failure to stop for kids getting off a school bus, if two or more violations within five years; or
- Sale or possession of a controlled substance while driving a motor vehicle.
Drivers may qualify for a limited license if:
- Their livelihood or attendance at a chemical dependency treatment or counseling program depends on driving;
- A homemaker (person primarily responsible for domestic household tasks involving dependents) needs to drive to prevent a substantial disruption of the education, medical, or nutritional needs of his or her family; or
- An enrolled student needs to drive to attend a postsecondary educational institution.
However, applicants for a limited license may have to demonstrate that using public transportation or carpooling would be a significant hardship. If one is issued a limited license, driving may be restricted to a particular vehicle, to particular classes and times of operation (maximum of 60 hours per week and six days a week), particular traffic conditions, and to protect public safety. Additionally, waiting periods may be imposed, in certain circumstances, before a limited license may be issued.
To obtain a limited license one must:
- Demonstrate appropriate need and be eligible for a limited license;
- Pay the statutory reinstatement fee;
- If revoked, apply for a new license and pass required tests;
- If previously issued a limited license within the past 24 months, then wait one-half of the revocation or suspension period, unless previously issued a limited license and enrolled in ignition interlock program;
- Request a limited license in writing, personal appearance, or telephone; and
- Fulfill all other outstanding requirements for all other license withdrawals (i.e. pay outstanding fines).
At Brandt Kettwick Defense, we can help you avoid having your driving privileges restricted in the first place, and also advise whether you may be eligible for a limited license.