Driving is a privilege, not a right, and your license can be suspended or revoked for a variety of reasons. For example, you can lose your license if you drive while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, receive too many speeding tickets, fail to make child support payments or drive without insurance.
But what if you need to drive to school? What if your job requires you to have a car? New York law extends limited driving privileges to people who have lost their licenses under certain circumstances. If you lost your license because of an alcohol- or drug-related offense, you can apply for a conditional license. If your license was revoked or suspended because of another type of offense, you might be eligible for a restricted use license.
What Is a Conditional License?
A conditional license is only intended for drivers whose licenses were suspended or revoked because of an alcohol- or drug-related offense. You can apply for this license at most Department of Motor Vehicle offices. Note that it is not valid for driving commercial vehicles.
The driver is also required to participate in the Impaired Driver Program, which focuses on alcohol and drug rehabilitation.
Where and When Can I Drive Using a Conditional License?
If you are driving with a conditional license, you may only drive if you are traveling to and from:
- Your place of work or during work hours if you have a job that requires driving (for example, if you’re a door-to-door salesman);
- The DMV regarding your conditional license or the impaired driver program;
- A class or activity authorized by the impaired driver program;
- A class at an school, college or university;
- Court-ordered probation activities;
- Necessary medical appointments;
- A child’s school or daycare under certain circumstances.
You may also drive for a period of three hours between 5 a.m. and 9 p.m. once a week.
The conditional license can’t be used to drive to and from high school. Plus it may be revoked if you violate the use restrictions or any New York traffic law, such as texting while driving or not wearing a seatbelt.
What Is a Restricted Use License?
A restricted use license is more limited than a conditional license, and it is intended for people whose licenses were revoked for non-alcohol and non-drug offenses (although some drug-related offenses are eligible for the restricted use license). This type of license may only be used to drive to school, work and medical appointments. You can apply for it at the DMV.
Contact a New York Criminal Defense Attorney Today
Contact the Law Offices of George Vomvolakis today for a free consultation if your driver’s license is revoked or suspended for driving while under the influence. Our experienced criminal defense attorney can help fight the DWI charges, challenge the revocation or suspension, and help you apply for a conditional or restricted use license.