In Florida, a license can be revoked for a number of different reasons. Your license may be revoked or suspended for not paying traffic fines, driving under the influence, getting too many traffic violation points or not meeting the minimum vision standards. While you are working on getting your license back officially, it is possible to apply for a Florida hardship license. Once you have a hardship license, you are legally able to drive while you work on getting your license back.
The Florida Advanced Driver Improvement Course
Unlike many states, Florida has fairly lax laws about overcoming a suspended or revoked license. In general, you will just have to take a Florida Advanced Driver Improvement (ADI) course. Once you have taken this course, you can work on getting your regular license back and can even drive to restricted places before you have completed the course. It is essentially a 12-hour traffic school that is taken online or in a classroom. To qualify, the course must be offered by a provider who has been approved by the state of Florida.
Who Can Get a Hardship License?
A hardship license is open to many individuals. Certain cases of driving under the influence or getting too many traffic violation points are eligible for a hardship license. If you have 12 points over 12 months, you are given a 30-day suspension. A 12-month suspension is given to anyone with 24 points in 26 months. Meanwhile, individuals who accumulate 18 points in 18 months are given a suspension of three months.
Applying for a Hardship License
To qualify for a hardship license, you will need to register for a 12-hour Florida Advanced Driver Improvement class. Once you have enrolled in the course, you can give your 30-day driving record to the clerk in your county. Afterward, both of these documents must be taken to the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. An officer at this location will review the documents and determine if you are eligible for a hardship license.
Types of Hardship Licenses
There are essentially two types of hardship licenses available. A hardship license for employment purposes or business purposes may be given out depending on your unique personal circumstances. If you are given a license for employment purposes, you can only drive to and from your work. You may also be allowed to drive during your work day if that is a normal part of your employment. Meanwhile, a license for business purposes allows you to drive for employment, educational, medical or church purposes.
Contact the Attorneys of Laporte, Mulligan & Werner-Watkins
If you have had your license suspended or revoked, you are not alone. In the state of Florida, you have immediate options for obtaining driving privileges. To find out more information about getting a hardship license or getting your regular license reinstated, contact the attorneys of Laporte, Mulligan & Werner-Watkins.
Call us at (727) 478-4125 for a free consultation by phone or at our office in Port Richey, FL.
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