DUI Law: Hardship Licenses

Tampa DUI Attorneys

Business Purposes Only/Employment Purposes Only Reinstatements - s. 322.271, F.S. and s. 322.28, F.S.

After a Tampa DUI conviction, there are certain circumstances wherein a driver may apply for a hardship license in order to drive for business and employment purposes only. Depending upon whether this is a driver's first or subsequent conviction and whether or not he or she is a commercial driver will determine whether a hardship license may be obtained, and when.

Following are the qualifications to meet in order for a driver to apply for a hardship license:

• First DUI Conviction:
  • Complete DUI school
  • Apply for hearing regarding hardship license
  • Ignition interlock device mandatory for up to 5 months (for convictions involving a blood alcohol concentration of more than .15%)
• Second Conviction (within 5 years):
  • May apply for hardship license hearing after 1 year
  • Complete DUI school
  • Remain in DUI supervision program for remainder of revocation period
  • May not consume alcohol and/or drugs or driven a motor vehicle for 12 months
  • Ignition interlock device mandatory for 2 years if case involves blood alcohol level of more than .15%.
• Third DUI Conviction (within 10 years):
  • May apply for hardship license hearing after 2 years
  • Complete DUI school
  • Remain in DUI supervision program for remainder of revocation period
  • May not consume alcohol and/or drugs or driven a motor vehicle for 12 months
  • Ignition interlock device mandatory for 2 years
• DUI Manslaughter (no prior DUI convictions):
  • May apply for hearing after 5 years
  • No drug-related offenses in the past 5 years
  • Has not driven a motor vehicle in the past 5 years
  • Alcohol and drug-free for the past 5 years
  • Complete DUI school
  • Remain in DUI supervision program for remainder of revocation period
  • Mandatory ignition interlock device for 2 years
• Manslaughter, DUI Causing Serious Bodily Injury, Vehicular Homicide:
  • May immediately apply for hardship hearing
  • Must complete DUI school or advanced driver improvement course

DUI Defense Attorneys in Tampa, Florida

Our attorneys are experienced in helping clients apply for and obtain hardship licenses. We offer aggressive representation at hardship license hearings and do whatever we can to help ensure that you can get limited driving privileges.

Contact a Tampa DUI attorney at Thomas & Paulk regarding obtaining a hardship license after your DUI conviction!