A court of law has found you guilty of DUI. As a result, your driver’s license has been suspended. Many drivers with a DUI conviction worry about how to get to and from work. After all, you need to continue earning an income.
You have some options. If you qualify, the Pennsylvania Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) can issue an Occupational Limited License (OLL). It allows you to drive to and from work, receive medical treatment and attend other qualifying events.
Qualifying factors for an OLL
A first-time DUI offender typically qualifies for OLL driving privileges. The DMV takes the events and circumstances of your DUI into account when deciding to issue the OLL or not. If your blood alcohol content (BAC) exceeded 0.16 at the time of the DUI, the DMV will not grant you an OLL. In addition, there can be no other aggravating charges as listed below.
Compounding and disqualifying DUI offenses
Serious compounding offenses often disqualify you from receiving an OLL. These are:
- Driving under the influence of drugs or controlled substances
- Fleeing from police
- Failing to pay for a previous offense
- Reckless driving
- Driving on a suspended, revoked or canceled license
This is a partial list of common disqualifying offenses. You can access the complete list online.
Submitting a request letter for an OLL
You need to petition the DMV for an OLL license. First, you need to send a request form through the online DMV system or U.S. Mail along with payment and proof of insurance. The DMV will determine if you qualify. If you do, they will send you an OLL camera card.
Your path to a restricted driver’s license
A DUI conviction is expensive, and the consequences are far reaching. However, your life does not have to be put on hold. If you qualify, the state will grant you the restricted use of a motor vehicle. You simply need to follow the DMV process for obtaining an OLL.