What is the Connection Between OWI and Specialized Driving Privileges?
If you have been charged with operating a vehicle while intoxicated (OWI) in Indiana, you may have already realized that you are at risk of losing your driving privileges. Indeed, conviction for an OWI under IC 9-30-5-1, even a first-time offense conviction, can result in your driver’s license being suspended for anywhere from 90 days to 2 years. With subsequent OWI convictions, your license can be suspended for an increased amount of time. You can also face a driver’s license suspension for up to 1 to 2 years if you refuse to submit to a chemical test to determine your blood alcohol concentration.
What does all of this have to do with specialized driving privileges? In short, a person who has a suspended driver’s license may be eligible for specialized driving privileges under IC 9-30-16-1, which can allow them to operate a motor vehicle during the suspension. Our Indianapolis OWI defense attorneys can explain in more detail.
Specialized Driving Privileges Allow But Limit Your Driving
If your license is suspended because of an OWI, specialized driving privileges will only allow you to drive to or from certain places, or at certain times of the day. To be clear, specialized driving privileges will allow you to drive on a suspended license, but you may only be permitted to drive to and from work, for example. Depending on your individual circumstances, you may also be permitted to drive for childcare and school-related reasons, or to attend certain medical appointments. If you are in school yourself or if you care for an elderly parent, specialized driving privileges may also include driving privileges for these purposes.
Certain OWI Offenses Are Ineligible for Specialized Driving Privileges
Under Indiana law, certain types of OWI offenses are ineligible for specialized driving privileges. If your OWI involved an accident in which a person was killed, you cannot receive specialized driving privileges. In addition, you are not be eligible for specialized driving privileges if you refused a chemical test unless you also install an ignition interlock device in your vehicle.
There are other requirements for obtaining specialized driving privileges after an OWI. For example, specialized driving privileges only apply to someone who had a valid driver’s license at the time of the offense and who has been an Indiana resident.
Contact an Indianapolis OWI Defense Lawyer for Help with Your Case
Are you facing a driver’s license suspension following an arrest for OWI in Indiana? It is critical to get in touch with one of the experienced Indianapolis OWI defense lawyers at Rigney Law LLC as soon as possible to find out about your eligibility for specialized driving privileges. Without specialized driving privileges, your life could be substantially impacted by a license suspension — you may not be able to get to work, pick up your kids from school, and so much more. Our firm can speak with you today about how specialized driving privileges work after an OWI, and we can also discuss your OWI defense options with you. Contact us today to learn more about how we can assist you.
Sources:
codes.findlaw.com/in/title-9-motor-vehicles/in-code-sect-9-30-5-1/
codes.findlaw.com/in/title-9-motor-vehicles/in-code-sect-9-30-16-1/
