Losing your driving privileges can make everyday responsibilities much more difficult. Getting to work, attending school, visiting a doctor, and completing other necessary tasks may become challenging after a driver’s license suspension or revocation.
In certain situations, Florida drivers may qualify for a hardship license that provides limited driving privileges.
What Is a Hardship License?
A hardship license is a restricted driver’s license that allows an eligible individual to drive for certain approved purposes while regular driving privileges are suspended or revoked.
Depending on the restriction granted, driving may be permitted for employment or broader necessary activities related to maintaining a livelihood.
A hardship license does not fully restore unrestricted driving privileges.
Who May Qualify?
Eligibility depends on why your license was suspended or revoked, your driving history, and whether you have satisfied applicable requirements.
Depending on the circumstances, drivers may need to complete or enroll in an approved driver improvement or DUI program before becoming eligible. Certain suspensions and revocations may also include mandatory periods during which no driving is permitted.
Not every driver qualifies for hardship privileges.
How Do You Apply?
The process varies depending on the reason for the loss of driving privileges. An eligible driver may need to request a hardship hearing through the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles and provide documentation showing that applicable requirements have been met.
If approved, the driver must follow the restrictions placed on the hardship license.
What Happens If You Violate the Restrictions?
A hardship license only permits driving under the conditions authorized. Driving outside those restrictions can result in additional consequences and may jeopardize your limited driving privileges.
Understanding exactly where and when you are permitted to drive is essential.
Understanding Your Options
A suspended or revoked license does not automatically mean you qualify for a hardship license. Eligibility can depend heavily on the reason for the suspension and your individual driving history.
At Hochman & Goldin, P.A., we help Florida drivers understand license suspensions and their available options. If your driving privileges have been suspended or revoked and you want to know whether you may qualify for a hardship license, contact us for assistance.