Getting Your Hardship License
 As
part of your representation I can help you navigate the obstacles when
applying for a DMV hearing associated with your drivers license
reinstatement. My office can provide you with the application forms and
information packets to simplify the process. I can explain to you the
types of questions frequently asked by the hearing officer as part of
the decision to grant you a hardship license. Additionally, we can
discuss specific examples of prior comparable cases to arm you with the
knowledge to increase your likelihood of receiving a license.
Generally,
you will only have one chance to convince the hearing officer that you
are a good candidate. A person “educated” in the administrative
process, and the nature of questions asked by the hearing officer,
stands a much better chance to obtain a hardship license. A consultation
at my office is free and we can discuss your case to determine the facts
that support your reinstatement request.
Frequently
Asked Questions
How do I reinstate my license after a first time
conviction for Driving Under the Influence (DUI)?
1st
DUI
- 180 day to 1 year revocation effective on conviction date. Before
expiration of the revocation period, you may apply for a hardship license
in the county where you live. DUI School completion and treatment, if
referred, is required. You then can apply for a hardship license in any
Administrative Review Office.
If
you wait to reinstate your license until your revocation period ends, you
must present proof of enrollment or completion of DUI School and
treatment, if referred, is required. Failure to complete the course within
90 days after reinstatement will result in cancellation of your driver
license by the department until the course is completed and failure to
complete treatment may result in cancellation of your driver license.
At
the time of reinstatement, whether for a hardship license or a full
license, you must take the required examination, and pay $105
administrative fee and $50 reinstatement fee and any license fee required.
Proof of liability insurance on the arrest date will be required or proof
of liability coverage and a $15 reinstatement fee will be required.
How
do I reinstate my license after a second conviction
for Driving Under the Influence (DUI)?
2nd
DUI
conviction in more than 5 years will result in a 180 day to 1 year
revocation. You cannot reinstate early for hardship. The full revocation
period must be served before requesting driver license reinstatement.
The
second DUI conviction within a five-year period will result in a five-year
revocation. You may apply for a hardship license at the Administrative
Review Office after serving one year from effective date of revocation.
DUI School, and treatment, if referred, must be completed and you must
have a favorable recommendation from the Special Supervision Services
Program to be eligible for a hardship license. If given approval to
reinstate early for hardship, you must present this approval to the
drivers license office you must remain in the Special Supervision Services
Program for the duration of the revocation period to retain your hardship
license.
If
you wait to reinstate until after your revocation period ends, you must
present proof of enrollment or completion of DUI School, and treatment, if
referred, is required. Failure to complete the course within 90 days after
reinstatement will result in cancellation of your driver license by the
department until the course is completed and failure to complete treatment
may result in cancellation of your driver license.
At
the time of reinstatement, whether for a hardship license or a full
license, you must take the required examination, and pay $105
administrative fee and $50 reinstatement fee and any license fee required.
Proof of liability insurance on the arrest date will be required or proof
of liability coverage and a $15 reinstatement fee will be required.
How
do I reinstate my license after a third conviction
for Driving Under the Influence (DUI)?
3rd
DUI
conviction in more than 10 years will result in a 180-day to 1-year
revocation unless 2 of the convictions fall within 5 years in which case a
five-year revocation will apply. You are not eligible for a hardship
license, but must wait out the revocation period.
A
3rd DUI within a 10-year period will result in a 10-year revocation. You
must serve 2 years of this revocation period before being eligible to
apply for a hardship license in the Administrative Review Office.
You must complete DUI School, and treatment, if referred, and have
a favorable recommendation from the Special Supervision Services Program
to be eligible for a hardship license. If given approval to reinstate
early for hardship, you must present this approval to the driver license
office. You must remain in the Special Supervision Services Program for
the duration of the revocation period to retain your hardship license.
If
you wait to reinstate until after your revocation period ends, you must
present proof of enrollment or completion of DUI School, and treatment, if
referred, is required. Failure to complete the course within 90 days after
reinstatement will result in cancellation of your driver license by the
department until the course is completed and failure to complete treatment
may result in cancellation of your driver license.
At
the time of reinstatement, whether for a hardship license or a full
license, you must take the required examination, and pay $105
administrative fee and $50 reinstatement fee and any license fee required.
Proof of liability insurance on the arrest date will be required or proof
of liability coverage and a $15 reinstatement fee will be required.
Am I
eligible for reinstatement after a fourth time
driving under the influence (DUI) conviction?
A 4th DUI conviction
results in the permanent revocation of your driver's license.
There is no provision for
a hardship license.
Am I
eligible for reinstatement after a DUI Manslaughter
conviction?
DUI
Manslaughter (single conviction)
will result in a permanent revocation. You must wait 5 years before being
eligible to apply for a hardship license in the Administrative Review
Office. You must complete DUI School, and treatment, if referred, and have
a favorable recommendation from the Special Supervision Services Program
to be eligible for a hardship license. If given approval to reinstate
early for a hardship license, you must present this approval to the driver
license office, pay a $105 administrative fee, a $50 reinstatement fee and
any applicable license fee. Proof of liability insurance on the date of
arrest or proof of current liability coverage and a $15 reinstatement fee
will be required. You must remain in the Special Supervision Services
Program for the duration of the revocation period to retain your hardship
license.
Am
I eligible for reinstatement after a DUI
Manslaughter conviction (in conjunction with prior
DUI conviction)?
A
permanent revocation of your license makes you ineligible for a hardship
license.
Note:
The Florida legislature has been quite active in toughening the laws
regarding DUI enforcement and licensing restrictions. It is recommended
you consult with a lawyer experienced in these matters instead of relying
solely on the information provided in the web site. |
