If you’ve been convicted of driving under the influence, odds are you’re going to have your driver’s license suspended for a period of time. That said, if you’re like most people, not having a vehicle will make it much harder for you to get to and from your job in a timely manner. In this scenario, an individual can apply for what’s known as a limited license. In today’s blog, we share some more information about applying for a limited license after a DUI conviction in Minnesota.
What Is A Limited License?
A limited driver’s license is sometimes available to individuals who have had their driver’s licenses suspended by the state. The limited license allows them to continue driving in a limited capacity while their suspension is under way. It is most commonly issued to allow and individual to drive to and form work so that they can maintain their employment in the wake of a DWI arrest. That said, limited licenses can also be issued to:
- Students who commute for post-secondary education.
- Homemakers, in order to prevent a substantial disruption of educational, nutritional or medical needs of the family.
- Those who need to attend chemical dependency classes.
However, you’re not guaranteed to be approved for a limited driver’s license even if you meet one of the criteria listed above. In addition to either being employed or a full-time homemaker, you’ll also need to take and pass a written test based on Chapters 7 and 8 of the Minnesota Driver’s Manual, and you’ll have to pay reinstatement fees. Currently, Minnesota charges $680 for a license reinstatement plus an additional $26.75 for the new driver’s license. You’ll also need to meet with a driving evaluator before you will earn an approval for a limited driver’s license.
Minnesota also has some limited license restrictions based on your offense. For example, a limited license will only be an option for an individual facing a first offense DWI, which means if you’ve been convicted of a DWI within the past 10 years, you will not be ably to obtain a limited license. Moreover, certain aggravating factors cannot be present during your arrest. If you had a blood alcohol concentration over 0.16, you will not be able to apply for a limited license.
Finally, Minnesota law states that there must be a specific “hard revocation” period during which no driving is allowed at all. Minnesota currently requires a 15-day waiting period once your license has been suspended or revoked before you can apply for and receive your limited license, so even if you expect to get a limited license in the near future, you will have to make some alternative transportation plans for roughly two weeks prior to becoming eligible to apply for a limited license.
It’s also imperative that you only drive within the scope of your limited license. Failure to comply with your limited license requirements can lead to even more problems. Common limited license violations include:
- Driving somewhere not approved by your limited license.
- Driving outside of the time constraints of your limited license.
- Earning other driving violations, like speeding, while on a limited license.
Any of these violations will likely terminate your limited license, and your standard license suspension will be extended, making it even longer before you get back on the road.
If you need help filing for a limited license, or you want to contest your arrest in court to hopefully avoid some of these repercussions, reach out to Avery and the team at Appelman Law Firm today at (952) 224-2277.
