Losing driving privileges because of a driving under the influence (DUI) conviction can be devastating, especially if you absolutely need to drive to get to work or school.
If you suddenly find yourself in this situation, you might be wondering, “Can I keep driving after a DUI conviction?
What is a hardship license?
Normally, a DUI conviction will lead to a driver’s license suspension for a period of time that depends on whether there are previous DUIs on your record or not as well as the severity of the offense.
Fines from a first or subsequent DUI conviction can be difficult to deal with. But being completely unable to drive due to a license suspension will limit your ability to complete vital daily tasks.
Fortunately, it is possible to get a hardship license for the express purpose of traveling to and from work, school or medical appointments despite the current suspension status of your license.
A hardship license or restricted license allows people to keep some of their driving privileges when there is a specific need for it. For example, if it can be demonstrated that you cannot get to work in any other way than by driving, you may be eligible for a hardship license for this specific purpose, allowing you to keep your job.
It is important to note that a hardship license can only be used for what it is intended. Using it to simply get around or outside of limited routes or specified timeframes may lead to it being taken away and further penalties.
Your eligibility for a hardship license depends on your particular situation and the circumstances behind why it was suspended, to begin with.
Legal guidance can be helpful to understand how to obtain a hardship license, its restrictions and how to avoid further penalties while using it.