Restricted License

For many Tennessee crimes related to alcohol or drugs, a conviction means losing your driving privileges. If your license has been suspended for driving under the influence (DUI), you may be eligible for certain types of relief. In many DUI cases, Tennessee law authorizes a restricted license, allowing you to drive under limited circumstances. Nashville DUI lawyer Bernie McEvoy can help you evaluate restricted license options after a DUI. He represents drivers throughout Davidson and Williamson Counties, and he is qualified to guide you through the application process for a restricted license.

In Tennessee, a mandatory license revocation period is imposed for a DUI refusal or DUI conviction, even if you have no prior criminal record. In many cases, however, a driver may be eligible to apply for a restricted license. A restricted license allows you to legally drive after a suspension or revocation, subject to the conditions listed on the court order. A court will typically grant an order for a restricted license as long as you qualify under Tennessee law. If your DUI was related to a car accident that caused the death of another person, or serious bodily injury to another person, you are not eligible for a restricted license. Nor will you be eligible if you have a prior conviction for vehicular homicide or vehicular assault.

In most cases, the court will authorize a restricted license subject to geographic restrictions. If your license has geographic restrictions, you will be allowed to drive only to the locations and addresses provided in the court order and only during the days and times specified in the order. Some locations that may be permitted under a restricted license include an employer, a college or university that you attend, a court-ordered alcohol safety program or substance abuse treatment program, meetings with your probation officer, or a regular place of worship. The court may also order that, as a condition of the restricted license, you drive a vehicle with an ignition interlock device. The ignition interlock device requirement depends primarily on the type of DUI offense.

Within 10 days of receiving the court order, you may apply for a restricted license at a Tennessee Driver Services Center. If you have been ordered to drive with an ignition interlock device, it must be installed before you may apply for a restricted license. You must provide documentation of the ignition interlock device installation with your application. In addition, you must present proof of liability insurance and pay license and application fees. Once your application has been approved, you must keep the court order and comply with the terms of the restricted license.

If you have been charged with a Tennessee DUI offense, your driver’s license may be suspended until the case is resolved. However, you may be eligible for a restricted license during the pending DUI proceedings. Tennessee law gives a judge discretion to issue an order for a restricted license. However, a restricted license for a pending DUI, if authorized, would allow you only to drive to and from work or to drive with an ignition interlock device. The application also requires proof of insurance and the payment of fees. A DUI defense attorney can advise you about whether you may qualify for a restricted license and assist you in completing the necessary steps.

If you are searching for an opportunity to regain your driving privileges after a DUI suspension, or while a DUI charge is pending, Nashville attorney Bernie McEvoy can advise you. Attorney McEvoy represents defendants in criminal cases throughout Davidson and Williamson Counties. You can request a free consultation by phone at (615) 255-9595 during the day or (615) 804-8779 on evenings and weekends, or you can complete our online form.