HARDSHIP LICENSE 

A Hardship License (also referred to as a limited license, work license, day license, or Cinderella license) is a limited-use license that allows you to drive for 12 hours a day in order to attend school, get work, or receive medical treatment.  It is available to certain individuals who have had their licenses revoked after a conviction or dispensation on an alcohol or drug related OUI/DUI charge.  As a condition to receiving a Hardship License, repeat offenders are often required to install an ignition interlock device. 

To secure a work-related Hardship License in Massachusetts, you must have documentation of employment.  Stay-at-home parents are ineligible.  You are required to have a letter (on company letterhead) from your employers, written in the past 30 days, stating that you need a license to get to work.  A pay stub is not sufficient.  If you are self-employed, you must present proof of self-employment consisting of a business certificate, tax forms indicating self-employment, and a current professional license.  The self-employed applicant must also present a letter on his or her own behalf explaining the need for a Hardship License and the hours requested. 

Additionally, to be eligible for medical, school, or work licenses, you must typically demonstrate that walking or taking public transportation is not feasible.  This should be stated in any written correspondence filed relating to your case.  You might consider submitting public transportation schedules or Mapquest documents as well. 

The Registry Hearing officers have a checklist of nine different conditions that have to be met in order to grant a Hardship License for an OUI-related charge.  Even still, the Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) has complete discretion regarding the issuance of Hardship Licenses.

Attending an RMV Hearing Can Be a Frustrating Process

There is no automatic entitlement to a Hardship License, and there is total discretion of personnel and a multitude of requirements and protocols that must be followed.

Learn more about the RMV and the Hardship License our FAQ page.

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Example:  If you are convicted of driving on a license that has been suspended for OUI/DUI, there is a 60 day minimum mandatory jail sentence.
 

Registry Attorneys Representing OUI Cases!

For a FREE Case Evaluation about the RMV and its Hardship License process, fill-out our online form, or call (800) 693-8434 to make an appointment at one of our local offices.  We answer our phones and return calls 24/7 - we even meet clients on Sundays!

Learn more by contacting one of our DUI Defense Lawyers.