Specialized Driving Permits replaced Hardship Driving Licenses on January 01, 2015. How do I get a permit to drive to and from work when my driving license is suspended? Can even a Habitual Traffic Violator (HTV) get a Specialized Driving Permit to drive to and from work?
Most people with suspended driving licenses, including Habitual Traffic Violators (HTV) (You no longer have to wait 5 years!), can now get a specialized driving permit to allow them to drive to, from, and on the job. All suspensions, other than Operating While Intoxicated (OWI), are governed by the new specialized driving privileges statute.
Except as stated below, for any criminal conviction in which the operation of a motor vehicle is an element of the offense, the Court may suspend the person’s driving privileges for a period up to the maximum allowable period of incarceration under the penalty for the offense. Probationary and Hardship Driving Licenses are eliminated.
Who is not eligible for an Indiana Hardship Driver’s License?
The following drivers are not eligible for a specialized driving permit.
- A driver who has never held a valid Indiana driver’s license
- Commercial Driver’s License holders
- A person who has refused a chemical test
- A person convicted of an offense involving a motor vehicle that resulted in the death of another person
- Anyone with more than one violation of a Specialized Driving Permit’s conditions
All other individuals may petition the Court in the County in which they live for a specialized driving permit. A Court then may stay the driving license suspension and grant specialized driving privileges.
Indiana Hardship Driver’s License Conditions
Conditions of specialized driving privileges are as follows:
- Must be granted for at least 180 days,
- May include requiring an ignition interlock devise at the driver’s expense,
- May include restrictions based on time of day or between certain locations, such as between home and work only and certain hours only, and
- The Court has the discretion to mandate any other conditions, such as drug or alcohol treatment.
A person who has been granted specialized driving privileges:
- Shall maintain proof of insurance,
- Carry a copy of the Order granting specialized driving privileges, and
- Produce the copy of the Order granting specialized driving privileges upon the request of a police officer.
A person who violates the terms of a specialized driving permit commits a class C Misdemeanor and risks revocation of the specialized driving permit.
What might help in obtaining a hardship license?
Clear routes and times for work related driving or special driving for treatment or children have the best chance for success. Courts may still allow a construction worker to drive 5 A.M. to 10 P.M. Monday-Saturday in the State of Indiana in their work truck for work, but such a broad request may be met with resistance by some Courts.
Contact our firm
Every situation is different. Please call us to discuss your situation and how we can assist you in receiving the best possible result. We can help you get a specialized driving permit, get back to work, and get your normal life back.
