Is There A Way To Drive If My License Is Suspended?
Last updated on June 12, 2024
Even if an Indiana court or the Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) suspended your license, you may still have an option to retain some driving privileges. Specialized driving privilege licenses allow people who have convictions for traffic offenses or operating while intoxicated (OWI) to drive in certain situations. Obtaining this special license, however, is not easy without an attorney.
The lawyer at Britton Law LLC can determine whether you are eligible for a specialized driving privilege license and, if so, help you acquire it. Peter A. Britton has almost 20 years of experience helping clients throughout north central Indiana earn back their driving privileges.
Specialized Driving Privileges: What To Know
Not everyone can receive specialized driving privileges. The court will not issue a stay of a license suspension just because someone feels like driving again. There are only a few circumstances in which specialized driving privileges may be necessary, such as:
- Driving to and from work
- Driving to medical appointments
- Driving to court hearings, mandatory drug and alcohol treatment, community service or other court-mandated events
- Dropping off and picking up children from school
- Dropping off and picking up children from day care
The process of petitioning for specialized driving privileges involves complex paperwork and lots of potential for mistakes to throw off your chances. If you work with attorney Britton, he will help you with the application. He can also advise you of your rights regarding your past traffic violation and whether you have the option of modifying your sentence.
Who Is Eligible For Specialized Driving Privileges?
Indiana Code 9-30-16 permits specialized driving privileges to be granted when someone’s driver’s license has been suspended due to a criminal conviction in which the operation of a motor vehicle was part of the offense. This includes situations involving operating a vehicle while intoxicated.
However, not everybody is eligible for specialized driving privileges. Drivers will not qualify for specialized driving privileges if:
- They have never been a resident of Indiana.
- They refused to submit to chemical testing (with some exceptions).
- They were convicted of causing someone’s death with their motor vehicle.
- Their license was suspended or revoked due to the fact they are incompetent or unfit to operate a motor vehicle, per the Bureau of Motor Vehicles.
- Their license was suspended due to passing a school bus.
Finally, if a driver was previously granted specialized driving privileges after a license suspension related to the serious bodily injury or death of another in an incident involving a motor vehicle, more than one conviction for violating the conditions of those privileges will make them ineligible for another chance.
Attorney Peter Britton can help you determine your eligibility and the steps that need to be taken to secure a specialized driving license.
The Importance Of Complying With Specialized Driving Privileges Criteria
Specialized driving privileges can meet a driver’s needs and relieve them of a significant burden, but they come with numerous conditions attached. For example, drivers must maintain proof of future financial responsibility (insurance coverage), carry their order with them at all times, only use the vehicle for specific purposes or at specific times, be subject to an ignition interlock device and more.
Failure to adhere to the terms of a specialized driving license can result in additional criminal charges, the revocation of all driving privileges and new fines. That makes it essential to understand exactly what terms are attached to your specialized driving privileges so that you do not put yourself in further jeopardy through a misunderstanding.
Learn Whether A Specialized Driving Privileges License Is Right For You
You might still have options if the state has suspended your license. Attorney Britton knows how to help you explore these options. To learn more, contact his South Bend office to schedule an initial consultation. You can send him an email or call him at 574-218-0989.