When you lose your driver’s license after a conviction for driving under the influence in Tennessee, you may find it difficult to go to school, hold down a job or follow the other terms of your sentence. However, in some cases, you may be able to get a restricted license. A restricted license allows you to drive under certain conditions despite having your license suspended or revoked.
Per TN.gov, you must meet certain eligibility terms to potentially be able to get a restricted license.
Determining restricted license eligibility
You may be able to secure a restricted license if no one suffered any injuries or fatalities in the incident that led to your DUI arrest and conviction. Furthermore, you need to not have a history of vehicular assault, vehicular homicide or aggravated vehicular homicide due to your driving under the influence. If required to use an ignition interlock device as part of your sentence, you must have such a device installed on your vehicle before applying for your restricted license.
Applying for the restricted license
While you may need to show proof of having an ignition interlock device on your car before getting a restricted driver’s license, you also need to secure a certified order signed by a judge from the court where you received your drunk driving conviction. You also need to secure an SR-22. An SR-22 is a form that proves that you have certain insurance requirements. Furthermore, you must pay license and application fees before you may get a restricted license.
If granted a restricted license, know that it may give you the ability to drive to and from school, work, substance abuse treatment programs or probation officer meetings.