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Can a person still drive to work after a DUI?

On Behalf of | May 8, 2024 | CRIMINAL LAW - Drunk Driving

A driver might assume that a Maryland police officer is making a traffic stop because of speed or maybe a non-functioning turn signal or brake light. That same driver might start to get worried if the police officer asks them to step out of the vehicle. This typically means that the driver is suspected of intoxication. If a DUI arrest and conviction take place, it can place an individual’s job at risk if they have no way to get to and from work.

Driver’s license suspension is a common penalty for a DUI conviction in Maryland. However, under certain conditions, a person might qualify for a hardship license. This means that the court will allow the person to drive, although there will be restrictions on the license. For example, the court might allow someone to drive to and from work or school or to carry out other necessary tasks.

What qualifies a person for a hardship license following a DUI?

The issues shown in the following list are relevant to eligibility regarding a hardship licensefollowing a DUI:

  • The driver complied with the request to take a chemical Breathalyzer test.
  • There has not been a license suspension for DUI within the past five years.
  • It is necessary to drive to work or to attend a treatment program.
  • No other transportation is available.

If an individual refuses to take a Breathalyzer test following a DUI arrest in Maryland, they cannot obtain a hardship license.

Interlock Ignition Device

In some cases, the court might order a Maryland driver to install an interlock ignition device (IID) in a vehicle following a DUI conviction. The driver is then permitted to drive anywhere, providing he or she passes a breath test first. The car will not start if the driver fails the test. A person with an IID would not need a hardship license. A DUI conviction has many implications for a person’s life, and it is wise to seek legal counsel immediately following an arrest because an experienced attorney can help an individual obtain the most positive outcome possible.