What is a Florida Hardship License for DUI?
In Florida, a Hardship License is a special type of driver’s license that is issued to individuals whose regular driver’s license has been suspended, revoked, or canceled due to a DUI (Driving Under the Influence) conviction. There are two primary types of DUI Hardship Licenses in Florida.
Business Purposes Only “C” Restriction
This type of hardship license allows the holder to drive for business-related purposes only. It is often granted to individuals who need to operate a vehicle for work-related tasks, such as commuting to and from their job or conducting business-related activities. It does not permit personal use of the vehicle.
Employment Purposes Only “D” Restriction
The “D” restriction hardship license is specifically for employment-related driving. It is granted to individuals who require a vehicle for their job but does not allow any other personal use of the vehicle.
It’s important to note that for individuals with Commercial Driver’s Licenses (CDLs), hardship license restrictions cannot be added to CDLs. If a commercial driver is granted a hardship license, their driver’s license must be issued as a Class E license, which means they are restricted from operating vehicles that require a commercial driver’s license.
A Florida DUI Hardship License is classified as a Class E license, and it will clearly indicate that it is a Class E driver’s license with a specific restriction. These restrictions are designed to provide limited driving privileges, even though the individual’s regular driver’s license has been suspended, revoked, or canceled.
To apply for a hardship license in Florida or to understand the specific restrictions and requirements, it is advisable to seek legal assistance from a professional like Casey, who is experienced in handling DUI cases and can guide you through the process.
For more information or legal assistance regarding DUI hardship licenses in Florida, you can contact Casey at (813) 222-2220. Casey has the expertise to help you navigate the legal complexities and persuade opposing parties and jurors to make the right decisions in your case.
2 Choices for a Florida Hardship License Hearing
In accordance with Section 322.271 of the Florida Statutes, you have two choices when seeking a restricted license through the Bureau of Administrative Reviews (BAR). Please carefully review this entire application before making your selection.
OPTION 1: EXPEDITED REVIEW
- By choosing this option, you are making a request for BAR to waive the necessity of a hearing. If the hearing is waived, BAR will assess this Application in conjunction with any supporting written evidence or documents you provide in support of your restricted license request. Subsequently, BAR will issue a written decision regarding the approval or denial of your request for a restricted license, all without requiring a formal hearing or your testimony.
- It’s important to be aware that, as per Florida law, this option is not available in cases of suspensions or revocations involving fatalities or severe bodily injury, multiple DUI convictions as outlined in Section 322.27(5) of the Florida Statutes, or second or subsequent suspensions or revocations as per the same Chapter 322, Florida Statutes provision.
OPTION 2: HEARING REQUEST
- By choosing this option, BAR will carefully evaluate your Application and subsequently reach out to arrange a hearing. The sequence of hearing requests received will determine the order in which your hearing is scheduled. During the hearing, BAR will consider your Application, any supporting written evidence or documents, as well as your sworn testimony.
- At the hearing, you will be obligated to provide sworn testimony and respond to inquiries. These questions may encompass your driving history, any violations on your record, and your rationale for being deserving of a restricted license. Following the hearing, BAR will issue a written decision to determine whether your request for a restricted license will be approved or denied.
- Additionally, it’s crucial to note that you must have either enrolled in or successfully completed the relevant driver training course or DUI substance abuse education course and evaluation period, as mandated by Section 322.271(2)(b) of the Florida Statutes.