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DUI Hardship or Restricted License Statement Template
Clearly explain to the court or DMV why you need a DUI hardship or restricted license and how you are driving safely going forward.
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DUI Hardship or Restricted License Statement Template
[Your Full Name]
[Your Street Address]
[City, State/Province, ZIP/Postal Code]
[Phone Number]
[Email Address]
[Date]
[Name of Court or Licensing Authority]
Attn: [Judge’s Name / Hearing Officer’s Name / Department]
[Street Address]
[City, State/Province, ZIP/Postal Code]
1. Case and License Information
Re: DUI Hardship / Restricted License Request – Case [Case Number] / License No. [Driver’s License Number]
I, [Your Full Name], am submitting this hardship / restricted license statement in connection with my DUI case and my request for limited driving privileges. This statement explains my current circumstances, the hardship caused by a full license suspension, and the steps I am taking to ensure safe and responsible driving in the future.
2. Brief Background of the DUI Incident
On [Date of DUI Incident] in [City, State/Province], I was arrested for driving under the influence (DUI). I understand that this is a serious offense and that my decision to drive after consuming alcohol was dangerous and irresponsible. Since that time, I have been complying with the requirements of the Court and/or DMV and have taken steps to address my behavior and reduce the risk of anything like this happening again.
[Optional: Add one to three sentences summarizing the status of your case, such as: “I have entered a plea of [guilty / no contest],” “I am currently on probation,” or “My license has been suspended as of [Date].”]
3. Explanation of Hardship
The suspension of my driver’s license has created significant hardship in my daily life. I respectfully explain the following areas of hardship:
Employment and income:
I am employed as [Job Title] at [Employer Name] in [City]. My typical work schedule is [days/hours]. My job requires me to [briefly describe duties and any driving involved]. Without the ability to drive, I have great difficulty getting to and from work, which places my job and income at risk. Losing this job would seriously affect my ability to pay rent, support my family, and meet my financial obligations, including any fines, fees, or restitution ordered in this case.Family responsibilities:
I have responsibilities to [describe, such as “support my children,” “assist a spouse or partner,” “care for elderly parents,” etc.]. These responsibilities include [school drop-offs and pick-ups, medical appointments, grocery shopping, essential errands, etc.]. Without limited driving privileges, it is extremely difficult to meet these obligations and ensure that my family’s basic needs are met.Medical, education, or other essential needs (if applicable):
I also need transportation for [medical appointments, counseling, treatment sessions, school or training programs, etc.]. Public transportation and rides from others are [describe limitations: “not available in my area,” “inconsistent,” “do not operate during my work hours,” or “create excessive delays or costs”].
Because of these circumstances, I am respectfully requesting a hardship or restricted license that would allow me to drive only for essential purposes, such as work, school, treatment, and necessary family or medical needs, as permitted by law.
4. Steps Taken Since the DUI Incident
Since the DUI incident, I have taken the following steps to address my behavior and improve my decision-making:
Education and treatment:
I have [enrolled in / completed] [DUI education classes, alcohol awareness courses, counseling, treatment, or similar programs]. These programs have helped me understand the dangers of impaired driving and provided me with tools to make safer choices.Lifestyle changes:
I have established clear rules for myself, including [never driving after consuming any alcohol, planning transportation in advance when alcohol may be present, using taxis or rideshare services, or abstaining from alcohol].Compliance with court and DMV requirements:
I am complying with all conditions ordered by the Court and/or DMV, such as [probation terms, fines, community service, ignition interlock installation, regular reporting, or other obligations].
These steps reflect my commitment to learning from this experience and preventing any future DUI-related conduct.
5. Proposed Use of a Hardship or Restricted License
If the Court or licensing authority is willing to grant a hardship or restricted license, I intend to use it strictly for the limited, approved purposes. Specifically, I would use a restricted license only to:
Travel directly to and from my place of employment.
Travel directly to and from school or training (if applicable).
Travel directly to and from court, probation, treatment, counseling, or DUI education programs.
Travel directly to and from essential medical appointments for myself or my dependents.
Transport minor children or dependent family members for essential needs where no reasonable alternative transportation exists.
I understand that any misuse of a hardship or restricted license would be a serious violation and could result in additional legal consequences and loss of driving privileges.
6. Commitment to Safe and Lawful Driving
I recognize that driving is a privilege, not a right. If granted a hardship or restricted license, I am committed to:
Never driving under the influence of alcohol or any other impairing substance.
Following all traffic laws and license restrictions without exception.
Continuing any education, counseling, or treatment recommended by the Court, DMV, or my counselor.
Using an ignition interlock device or any other safety measures required by law or by the Court.
I understand that the best way to rebuild trust is through consistent, responsible behavior over time, and I am prepared to demonstrate that commitment.
7. Respectful Request
In light of the hardships described above and the steps I have taken since my DUI incident, I respectfully request that the Court / DMV / licensing authority consider granting me a hardship or restricted license, subject to any conditions it deems appropriate.
I understand that there must be consequences for my actions, and I accept responsibility for what I have done. My goal in requesting limited driving privileges is to maintain employment, fulfill my family and financial obligations, and continue with treatment and education, while still protecting public safety and fully complying with all rules.
8. Closing and Signature
Thank you for taking the time to review my hardship / restricted license statement and for considering my request. I appreciate the opportunity to explain my situation and to show that I am taking this matter seriously.
Respectfully submitted,
[Your Full Name]
[Signature, if printed]
[Date]
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Learn more about
DUI Hardship or Restricted License Statement Template
Click below for detailed info on the template.
For quick answers, scroll below to see the FAQ.
Click below for detailed info on the template.
For quick answers, scroll below to see the FAQ.
DUI HARDSHIP OR RESTRICTED LICENSE STATEMENT TEMPLATE FAQ
What is a DUI hardship or restricted license statement?
A DUI hardship or restricted license statement is a written document you submit to a court, DMV, or licensing authority to explain why you need limited driving privileges after a DUI. It typically describes your work, family, medical, or school responsibilities, the transportation problems caused by a full suspension, and the steps you are taking to drive safely and comply with all DUI requirements.
How do I write a hardship letter for a restricted license after a DUI?
To write a hardship letter for a restricted license after a DUI, clearly identify yourself and your case, explain your DUI conviction or charge, and describe in detail how a full license suspension affects your ability to get to work, school, medical appointments, or family obligations. Then list the steps you have taken since the DUI (classes, treatment, counseling, lifestyle changes) and explain why limited driving privileges would help you maintain employment and stability while still following safety rules and any conditions set by the court or DMV.
What should I include in a DUI hardship license statement to the court or DMV?
A strong DUI hardship license statement usually includes:
Your full name, contact details, and case or license number.
A brief summary of the DUI incident and current status of your case.
A clear explanation of your financial, employment, family, or medical hardship.
Specific examples of how a restricted license (for work, school, childcare, medical needs) would help.
The safety measures and personal rules you follow to avoid any impaired driving in the future.
A respectful request for a hardship or restricted license and a promise to comply with all conditions.
Can I use this DUI hardship statement template for work-only or ignition interlock restricted licenses?
Yes. You can adapt this DUI Hardship or Restricted License Statement Template for work-only licenses, school-only licenses, ignition interlock restricted licenses, or other limited driving privileges allowed in your state. Be sure to adjust the details so they match the specific type of restricted license you are requesting and any instructions provided by the court, DMV, or your attorney.
Can AI Lawyer help me write my DUI hardship or restricted license statement?
Yes. AI Lawyer can help you draft, edit, and refine your DUI hardship or restricted license statement by suggesting clear wording, improving the structure, and keeping a respectful, consistent tone. You provide the real facts and personal details, and AI Lawyer helps turn them into a well-organized letter or statement. For any legal strategy questions or decisions about what to include or emphasize, you should still follow the guidance of a qualified DUI attorney.
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