If you are caught driving while intoxicated (DWI), you could lose your driving privileges. After a DWI arrest, police will confiscate your license and replace it with a temporary permit that will expire in 15 days. Getting to work, picking up kids from school, or going to the hospital for emergencies can be difficult without a valid driver’s license. Fortunately, there is still a way to recover your license or get limited driving privileges.
Limited driving privilege
If this is your first DWI, the court may suspend your license for up to 90 days. During that period, you may petition for a limited driving privilege (LDP), also known as a hardship license, from the Department of Revenue (DOR) or the court.
Obtaining a limited driving permit (LDP) will allow you to drive to and from your place of employment, school, or other approved locations.
However, before you can receive an LDP, you must meet the DOR’s requirements, serve 30 days of your suspension or install an ignition interlock device (IID) on your vehicle.
Reinstating a suspended license
For a first-time DWI, you will need to complete a series of steps before you can get your license back:
- Purchase and carry a SR22 insurance for two years after the date of suspension
- Pay the reinstatement fee
- Submit proof of completion Substance Awareness Traffic Offender Program (SATOP)
In addition, if it has been more than six months after your suspension, you may need to retake the driver examination. Other factors relating to your arrest, like refusal to take a BAC test or being caught for a DWI for the second time, can complicate your penalties.
After being arrested for DWI, you only have 15 days to request an administrative hearing to appeal the suspension of your license. But it can be overwhelming to keep track of all the steps and due dates for reinstatement of your driving privileges. Working with a lawyer may help you avoid mistakes and fight to get your license back.
