Can I Get a Limited Permit if My License Gets Suspended?
Your license to drive in Georgia can be suspended for numerous reasons. It might be for failure to appear in court for a traffic ticket, failing to pay child support, or being convicted of an offense such a Driving without Insurance or Hit & Run. The only offense that allows for a limited driving permit is Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol. A DUI-Drugs conviction does NOT allow for a limited permit. You can obtain a limited permit to drive after a DUI Alcohol conviction if it is your first DUI offense within the last 5 years, you are 21 years or older at the time of conviction, and the Judge gives you an Affidivat of First Conviction to take to the Department of Driver Services (DDS). If you're under 21, there's no limited permit available. If you do get a limited permit, you can re-obtain your full license after 120 days on the limited permit with proof of completion of an approved DUI Risk Reduction course and payment of a $210 reinstatement fee.
If you have a 2nd DUI conviction within a 5 year period, a permit is only allowed after serving a 120 day suspension, the sentencing Judge grants permission for the permit, and you have installed an approved ignition interlock device on your vehicle, which requires you to blow in to a tube to check for alcohol before the vehicle will start. The full term of the suspension or time required for an ignition interlock device for a 2nd DUI in 5 years is 18 months.
It is important to remember that if your license was suspended administratively for a year because you refused a breath or blood test, you CANNOT get a limited permit to drive.
And your limited permit will be revoked if you violate the conditions of the permit, or are convicted or any state law or local ordinance during the time of the permit. That includes a conviction for ANY traffic citation.
Here are the reasons you can drive, according to DDS, if you have a limited permit:
Driving to your place of employment to perform the normal duties of your occupation.
Receiving scheduled medical attention or obtain prescribed drugs.
Attending classes at a college or school in which you are enrolled as a student.
Attending regularly scheduled sessions or meeting of support organizations for the treatment of alcohol or other drugs.
Attending a driver education program or alcohol/drug assessment and treatment program.
Attend court, report to community supervision or probation, or to perform community service.
Transport unlicensed immediate family members to obtain medical care or prescriptions, to work, or to school.
Attend any programs or activities ordered by an accountability court judge.
If you're facing a license suspension or a DUI charge, you should seek legal representation. Feel free to contact Kyle Jarzmik if you have any questions.