How the Hardship License in Tampa, Florida Can Get You Back on the Road Again

After being charged with a DUI in Tampa, Florida, your drivers license will be subject to two different types of suspensions. The first is an administrative suspension that occurs on the day of your arrest and is handled through the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). The second is a criminal suspension which may occur if you are found guilty of DUI in court. During either of these license suspensions, it may be possible for you to receive a hardship license. The hardship license in Tampa, Florida will allow you to drive in limited circumstances, making it tremendously valuable to those who must drive to earn a living, go to school, or visit the doctor.

A hardship license is not available to everyone charged with a DUI. Multiple DUI convictions or refusal to submit to a breathalyzer test two or more times may disqualify you from receiving a hardship license in Tampa, FL. Because DUI laws change frequently, it is best to consult with a Tampa Bay DUI attorney about the possibilities of getting a hardship license. It is also important to contact an attorney as soon as you can after your arrest; this gives you the best chance of reversing your administrative DUI drivers license suspension before Florida’s 10 day rule expires.

There are a few restrictions which may be imposed on a hardship license in Tampa, Florida. The possible restrictions are:

• Employment purposes, restriction D, which only allows you to drive to and from work and other driving required by your employer
• Business purposes, restriction C, allowing you to drive to and from work, church, school, and visits to the doctor, as well as driving required by your employer
• Education purposes, restriction Y, allowing you to drive to and from school only
• Probation Interlock device, restriction P, is required for certain people who are convicted of a DUI (the Interlock device is a breathalyzer that prevents your vehicle from starting if the driver has a breath alcohol level above .05)

Most importantly, a hardship license allows you regain some of the freedom you lost when you were charged with a DUI. A hardship license is especially valuable in an area like Tampa Bay, where locations are spread apart and public transportation is limited.

For more information about the hardship license and other legal options available in a Florida DUI case, please contact Tampa Bay DUI attorney Andrew Spicola for a free initial consultation. We encourage you to call or e-mail whether you are here in Tampa or nearby in Dunedin, Odessa, St Petersburg , Oldsmar, Clearwater, Hillsborough County, Safety Harbor, Largo, Pinellas Park, Pasco County, Lutz, Palm Harbor, New Port Richey, and beyond.