After having your driver’s license suspended, life changes quite a bit. You never truly realize how much of a privilege it is to be allowed to drive a car. For that reason, you are likely very motivated to earn your driving privileges back, or at least be approved for an alternative, probationary driver’s license, also known as a hardship license.

Continue below to learn more about Indiana hardship driver’s licenses, how to determine if you qualify, and where to get started if you do.

Suspended Driver’s Licenses

The Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) suspends licenses for several reasons. Most often, they suspend driver’s licenses for habitual traffic offenses or being cited for reckless driving, which includes driving on a suspended license, driving without insurance, and leaving the scene of an accident. However, the BMV will also suspend licenses for OWI convictions, drug convictions, not paying child support, failing to appear for court, failing to pay BMV fines, and much more. Generally, driver’s licenses are suspended up to one year, but can be suspended even longer under certain circumstances. For this reason, it is important to retain professional legal counsel to protect your rights and preserve your freedoms.

Indiana Hardship Licenses

For standard drivers, losing driving privileges can be incredibly inconvenient and dispiriting. For those who rely on a driver’s license to earn an income, it can pose a very traumatic ripple of effects in both personal and professional life. Regardless of why you rely on your driving privileges, it is in your best interest to get your license back as soon as possible. One such alternative offered in Indiana for those with a suspended driver’s license is known as a hardship license. A hardship license, also known as a probationary driver’s license, is a provisional license that allows you to drive under strict and specific terms and conditions. The primary benefit of a hardship license is that it gives you permission to drive to important places, such as school, work, or medical appointments. 

Qualifying for a Probationary License

Not all individuals qualify for a hardship license, as there are several prerequisites that one must meet to be considered eligible. But there is some good news; back in 2015, on January 1, Indiana’s hardship license law went into effect. Since then, many more individuals have become eligible for a hardship license. This means, if you did not qualify for one before, you might qualify now! See our blog, “Indiana’s Specialized Driving Privileges May Be Your Solution to a Suspended License” to learn more. Then contact a skilled Indianapolis criminal defense lawyer for help determining your eligibility and submitting your petition!

Call David E. Lewis, Attorney at Law in Indianapolis

Call 317-636-7514 to discuss your issues with your current legal representation with David E. Lewis, Attorney at Law. He is an aggressive and experienced Indianapolis criminal defense attorney who will stop at nothing to protect your rights and preserve your freedoms. With decades of hands-on experience, you can trust Attorney David E. Lewis to help you through the process of changing lawyers, and then build you a stronger and more impactful defense against your Indiana criminal charges. Call 317-636-7514 to schedule a free initial consultation for Indianapolis criminal defense, today.