If your license has been suspended or revoked for any reason in Massachusetts, you can apply for a hardship license if you meet certain criteria. A hardship license is a license that can be used for twelve hours. It is only granted to those who lost their license due to traffic violations, drug offenses or alcohol offenses.

By applying for a hardship license, you attest that by not having access to a driver’s license, your employment or education is significantly affected in a negative way. Thai information will need to be formally documented, and may require a letter from your school administration or your manager at work.

The Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles has the power to grant a hardship license entirely at their discretion. For this reason, it’s best to file for this license under the guidance of an attorney.

For What Reasons Might I Need A Hardship License?

If you were arrested for any kind of driving violation, you run the risk of losing your license or having it get suspended. For example, if you have repeatedly gotten traffic tickets or moving violations, you may be penalized by having your license taken away or suspended. Additionally, those who have drug possession or use charges that involve the use of a vehicle may also run the risk of losing their license. Most notably, those who get a driving under the influence charge in Massachusetts due to drinking and driving may also result in the loss of your license.

What Criteria Must I Meet To Be Eligible For A Hardship License?

In order to be eligible to apply for a hardship license, you must submit formal documentation that describes the hardship you are facing after losing your license. As mentioned earlier, it’s best to submit this documentation under the supervision of a Boston lawyer. A lawyer can help ensure that you don’t miss any important information, and that all documentation is returned and filed by all appropriate deadlines.

In addition to proving your hardship, you must serve three months of your one year suspension in order to be eligible for the license. If you have a two year suspension, you must serve one year before applying for the hardship license. Those with an eight year suspension must complete two years.

According to the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles,

To apply for a hardship license you must:

  • Attend a hearing at select RMV hearing sites;
  • Bring all required documents with you when you meet with the hearings officer.

The RMV also states that “The hearings officers may require additional information after reviewing your documentation before rendering a final decision. If you are missing documentation, you will need to return to an RMV hearings officer with the appropriate documentation. Although you may meet all requirements, issuance of a hardship license is only granted at the reasonable discretion of the RMV, based on the facts of the case. If you are approved for a hardship license you must surrender your physical driver’s license during the hearing (if it has not already been taken by the police or the court). You will have an H restriction added to your driver’s license/record.”

What Can I Do With A Hardship License?

With a hardship license (sometimes referred to as a Cinderella license, you are lawfully permitted to drive a vehicle for a predetermined 12 hour period, 7 days a week. This aims to resolve the issues that arise when people lose their license. Many find it hard to keep a job, maintain a school schedule, or attend to other crucial responsibilities.

For some, getting a hardship license is the only light at the end of the tunnel after losing your license. But applying to get this license is not as simple as it seems, and many people run the risk of submitting a failed application by not trusting a lawyer to help them. Turn to Toland Law if you need a hardship license. Paul Toland is a trusted Boston lawyer with experience helping people in situations just like yours. With his help, you can submit a strong hardship license application and take the first step to getting your life back on track.

Schedule A Free Consultation With Toland Law To Learn More About Applying For A Hardship License

To learn more about your legal options and how the accomplished attorneys of Toland Law can fight for you, schedule a consultation with our Boston law office. If you have lost your license due to a criminal charge, you have the right to seek justice and get legal help.

Not being able to drive to work or school can have serious negative implications on your personal and professional life. Talk to Toland Law today to see if applying for a hardship license is right for you.

Toland Law, LLC