Was your license suspended by the court? Or perhaps the DMV? For whatever reason your licensed was temporarily suspended, you may still have a chance to get your driving privileges back. What was once referred to as “hardship” or “probationary” licenses, is now called “specialized driving privileges (SDP). This change takes place under Indiana Code 9-30-16. Continue reading to learn what SDP really is, and how to find out if you qualify.

What is SPD?

Specialized driving privileges can be given to those whose drivers’ licenses have been suspended for a temporary amount of time. They can only be granted by a court, and vary depending on a judge’s discretion. A judge will decide the limits and extent of a person’s SDP’s by taking into consideration their past records and current traffic or driving infractions. Habitual traffic offenders and serious violators will be less likely to have lenient driving authorization, whereas a person who’s been charged with their first DUI may be given more rights. If your license has been permanently revoked, you would not be eligible for SDPs in Indiana.

Limitations

Specialized driving privileges can include a wide spectrum of driving consents. But again, the extent of permission is entirely up to the court. A judge may allow a person to drive to and from work, to and from school, to and from daycare, or simple drive during certain specified times of the day. They may also allow you to drive anywhere and anytime you like, with the condition of an ignition interlock device (IID), which prohibits drivers from starting their vehicles under the influence of alcohol.

Qualifying

Specialized driving privileges, when granted, are usually given for at least 180 days. Those who qualify and do not qualify for SDPs include a broad range of people. For instance, the legislature decided that SDPs do NOT apply to those who have never had a valid drivers’ license, who have a commercial drivers’ license (CDL), and who have refused a chemical test (IN 9-30-6).

However, those who DO qualify include:

• Habitual Traffic Violators (HTV)
• DUI Suspensions
• OWI Suspensions
• OVWI Suspensions
• Insurance Suspensions
• Court-Ordered Suspensions
• BMV Suspensions
• Unpaid Traffic Tickets
• And More

Criminal Defense in Indiana

Call David E. Lewis, Attorney at Law, at 317-636-7514 for aggressive criminal defense in Indiana. He will fight around the clock to build a strong and impactful defense against your criminal charges, all to protect your rights and preserve your freedoms. He offers free initial consultations to discuss your criminal charges and determine the best route for defense. Call 317-636-7514 today to schedule your appointment, and get started on a path to a better future.