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The Process of Applying for A Hardship License After A DUI

Sept. 9, 2019

After losing a driver’s license because of a DUI conviction in Florida, you may be able to get a hardship license that allows you to drive for work purposes. At Hoskins & Penton, P.A., we often help clients to resolve the issues that led to the suspension or revocation and take steps to have it reinstated.

Here are the steps you must take in order to get a driver’s license privilege reinstated, per the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.

First Conviction

You will have to complete a DUI school before you can apply for a hearing where you may be able to receive a hardship reinstatement. If your blood alcohol content was higher than 0.15%, you must have an ignition interlock device installed in your car for one to two years.

Second Conviction

If your second conviction is within five years of your first, you are facing a five-year revocation. A hardship reinstatement hearing may be an option after a year, but you have to complete a DUI school, and you must be under DUI supervision for the final four years of your revocation time. You must continue to go to your counseling or treatment, and you must not drink any alcohol, consume any drug or drive a vehicle during the 12 months before your reinstatement. The IID is mandatory for one to two years if your BAC was over 0.15%.

Third Conviction

A third conviction within 10 years of the second results in a 10-year revocation. After two years, you have the option to apply for a hearing to request a hardship reinstatement. The same requirements apply: DUI school, DUI supervision program, counseling or treatment, IID installation, and no drinking, drugs or driving for the 12 months before the reinstatement.

Other factors may be relevant, such as a chemical test refusal or serious bodily injury in a collision. More information about driver’s license suspensions and revocations is available on our webpage.