Anyone arrested for drunk driving in Pennsylvania can expect to have their driver’s license suspended. Other serious traffic violations can also result in a suspension, but many drivers can avoid the worst consequences of an interruption in their driving privilege by applying for an Occupational Limited License (OLL) before or after their suspension has begun.
Not all drivers will qualify for an OLL. For example, if you have driven on an occupational license in the last five years, you are ineligible to apply for another one. Certain specified violations will also disqualify the driver from a conditional or limited license during a period of suspension. To understand your eligibility for an OLL during your suspension, discuss your situation with an experienced Pennsylvania traffic violations lawyer. Contact the law firm of Spadea & Associates, LLC, in Ridley Park for a free initial consultation about your specific situation.
Find Out if You Are Eligible for an Occupational Limited License
Working with Spadea & Associates, LLC on your drivers license suspension issues can offer many advantages. First of all, you can coordinate your defense on the criminal charge with your driver’s license protection strategy. If the offense charged against you is of a kind that will disqualify you from an occupational license, we might be able to find a way to negotiate a plea to a different charge that will protect your ability to drive.
Next, Spadea & Associates, LLC can give you a specific idea of what to expect at every stage of the process in terms of cost, timing and the critical details that can make or break an application for limited driving privileges. When you have an accurate understanding of your rights and the procedures involved in activating them, you will avoid mistakes and the waste of time or money involved with solutions that cannot work.
Many violations will disqualify the driver from an occupational limited license, and you should get a clear idea of your legal and practical options if you are charged with any of a number of disqualifying criminal or motor vehicle offenses, including:
- DUI or refusal to submit to alcohol testing (both with certain exceptions)
- Homicide by vehicle
- Underage alcohol violations (with certain exceptions)
- Unlawfully passing a school bus
- Reckless driving
- Fleeing a police officer
- Driving on a suspended license (with certain exceptions)
- Failing to maintain financial responsibility, or driving without insurance
CDL holders need to understand that there is no way to recover commercial driving privileges through the OLL process, but they can still apply for an occupational license to permit restricted operation of their own private vehicles.
Understanding the Occupational Limited License (OLL) Application Process
Applications for the OLL are made by certified mail to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation in Harrisburg mail. To protect your interest in driving without interruption, you need to make your application on the Occupational License Petition form at least 20 days before your suspension is due to begin. The petition must be accompanied by an application fee and proof of insurance.
Assuming that the application is submitted in correct form by a driver eligible for an occupational license, PA Department of Transportation’s decision to grant or deny the OLL will be based on the applicant’s driving record and current violations. If granted, you will be notified that your current license will be valid for a limited period pending your surrender of the license and your receipt of the occupational license. You send your current license, once again by certified mail, within 15 days of receiving your notice of approval.
If your application has been denied, you have the right to an administrative appeal and a hearing. It can be difficult to win an appeal of an unfavorable decision on an occupational license petition, however, and you should seek legal advice before pursuing any appellate rights.
Contact Spadea & Associates in Ridley Park: 610-521-0604
To learn more about the eligibility standards and application process for occupational drivers licenses during a period of suspension in Pennsylvania, contact the law firm of Spadea & Associates in Ridley Park. To find out more about our firm and our approach to client service, visit our website at http://spadealawfirm.com.
