How Can I Get a Business Purpose Only License?
If your license has been suspended or revoked, but you still need to get to work, you might not have to gear up for a long bus ride or an expensive rideshare or taxi commute. For most people in Florida, driving is a necessary evil—most of our communities aren’t especially walkable, and the majority of residents need to use some sort of auto transportation to get around. That’s why there are business purpose only driver’s licenses available in Florida—but you will probably need the assistance of an attorney to secure one.
Hardship licenses
When you’re arrested for DUI, among other crimes, your license is usually immediately suspended. However, you might qualify for a “business purpose only” license, which allows you to drive for certain necessary activities during your pending case. Your citation will operate as a permit for the first 10 days, but after that, you will need a “business purpose only” license to continue to drive.
Business purpose only licenses allow you to travel from home to school or work, perform necessary on-the-job driving, go to doctor’s offices and to church—and that’s it. (Believe it or not, if you’re caught stopping at a grocery store after work, that might not count, and you could face more serious penalties.)
To apply for a hardship license, your attorney will help you file for an administrative review, and then you will attend a hearing, at which a committee will determine if you’re truly suffering a hardship. (Your attorney will help you prepare for this as well as estimating your chances of receiving the license.)
Some people will not qualify for hardship licenses for reasons such as two or more DUI convictions, driving on a suspended license two or more times, permanent DUI manslaughter, murder with a motor vehicle and DUI with serious bodily injury (with two or more DUI convictions).
Hardship license violations
If you’re caught violating your hardship license restrictions, you could face serious penalties. After all, the state is offering these exceptions to give honest citizens a chance to show they can follow the rules while they fulfill their regular life responsibilities, so judges and administrative boards don’t look kindly on anyone who violates the law during their second chance.
Depending on the circumstances, you might even be arrested for a second-degree misdemeanor, which is punishable with fines and jail time—plus, your license will almost certainly be suspended or revoked again.
Ultimately, it’s important that, if you’re granted a hardship license, you follow the letter of the law.
Learn more about business purpose only licenses in Florida
If your license has been suspended or revoked, you should contact a reputable attorney immediately. You may qualify for a business purpose only driver’s license to help ensure you can drive to school and work while your attorneys right the charges. When you call K.J. Law P.A., you’ll chat with skilled lawyers who can fight zealously on your behalf. Call us today for a consultation.
Categorised in: DUI Lawyer