Full question:
I am a university student at Nashville, Tennessee. My license was suspended because I was caught drunk and operating my car. I have to have my car because I have two part-time jobs to get to after college. Am I eligible for a hardship/probationary permit?
- Category: Drivers License
- Subcategory: Drivers Hardship License Law
- Date:
- State: Tennessee
Answer:
Yes, you may be eligible for a probationary permit in Tennessee. A judge can issue a restricted license allowing you to drive only to and from work or to operate a vehicle with an ignition interlock device while your DUI charge is pending. This restriction is in addition to any other limitations on your license.
To obtain a hardship permit, you need to:
- Get a certified order from the court where you were convicted, signed by a judge. This order must specify that you can only drive to and from your place of employment.
- Obtain an SR-22 from your liability insurance company, confirming your coverage.
- Pay a $65 license fee and a $2 application fee.
- Present the certified court order and a copy to a Driver Services Center within ten days of the order, along with any other required documentation.
- If an ignition interlock device is required, it must be installed in your vehicle, and you must present installation papers at the Driver Services Center.
The relevant statute is Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-50-502, which outlines the conditions for license suspension and the issuance of restricted licenses.
This content is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.