In Indiana, your driver’s license can be suspended for any number of reasons. These include DUI (OVWI), having too many traffic violations, being a habitual traffic offender, or failing to pay child support. Under Indiana law, if your license is suspended, you can apply for what is called a hardship license or special driving privileges. This license will allow you to drive under specific circumstances. If your license has been suspended, Chris Arrington can help you apply for and receive a hardship license that will allow you to drive for certain reasons. In this article, we’ll discuss hardship licenses and how they work.
Will the court allow me to drive on a suspended license?
A hardship license/specialized driving privileges allows an Indiana driver to drive after their license has been suspended. In Indiana, these licenses are granted by the courts. There are a number of factors that the courts will consider when awarding a driver a hardship license. These include:
- The reason for the license suspension
- The hardship the license suspension would cause to the driver (i.e., loss of a job)
- The individual’s driving record
- The individual’s willingness to purchase an auto insurance policy
In Indiana, many courts will require the individual to obtain a policy that insures them for at least $100,000. These policies can be quite expensive. But if you can afford to pay, then you can acquire a hardship license.
What can a hardship license be used for?
In Indiana, a driver can only drive using a hardship license for specific purposes. These include:
- Going to work
- Going to school
- Taking care of a child or an elderly parent
- Going to the doctor
- Going to the grocery store
- Attending religious services
Eligibility for a hardship license in Indiana
To be eligible for a hardship license in Indiana, your license must have been previously revoked. This may be because you were convicted or charged with DUI, had multiple traffic offenses, or failed to pay child support. You must further be able to demonstrate that the revocation of your license will result in substantial hardship. You may lose your job because you can no longer get to work. You may not be able to care for a child or an elderly parent. You may no longer be able to get to your doctor’s office. But you will have to establish that the lack of a license is causing some form of hardship that you would not experience if you had your license.
To apply for a hardship license, you are required to submit a petition to the court in the county where you reside or the county where your license was suspended. The petition will need to include information about your hardship and why you need the license. If the court approves your petition, you will be able to drive for specific purposes. The criminal defense attorneys at Chris Arrington can help you apply for a hardship license in Indiana.
Contact an Indiana Criminal Defense Attorney Today
Chris Arrington represents the interests of those applying for a hardship license in Indiana. Call our office today to schedule an appointment, and we can begin discussing your next steps right away.