Limited License MN
What Is a Limited License in Minnesota?
A limited license – also known as a work permit – allows a driver whose driving privileges have been revoked due to a DUI conviction or implied consent violation to drive pursuant to certain limitations.
A limited license is only available to a small subset of DUI defendants. Generally, it is for drivers who do not have qualified prior impaired driving incidents and whose case does not require them to drive only through the ignition interlock program. For a first-time test failure, the alcohol concentration must be less than twice the legal limit. For drivers with qualified priors, and for many other DWI-related revocations, Minnesota law requires participation in the ignition interlock program before full driving privileges can be restored.
Who Is Eligible for a Limited License After a DWI?
To be eligible, a person needs to prove that:
- Their livelihood or attendance at a substance use disorder treatment or counseling program depends on the use of the limited license;
- The use of the limited license by a homemaker is necessary to prevent the substantial disruption of the education, medical, or nutritional needs of the family; or
- Attendance at a postsecondary institution of education by an enrolled student of that institution depends upon the use of the limited license.
For purposes of the homemaker category, Minnesota law refers to the person primarily performing the domestic tasks in a household that includes at least that person and the person’s dependent child or other dependents.
In order to prove your eligibility, the application for a limited license may require a showing that use of public transportation or carpooling as an alternative to a limited license would be a significant hardship.
What Limits Will Be Placed on My Work Permit?
The limited license will have specific conditions and limitations on your driving privileges. For instance, you will be limited on the specific times you can drive, where you can drive, and for how many hours each day and week you can drive.
The maximum number of driving hours each week can be 60 – but your work permit will specify how many you can drive. And you must pick one day each week in which you cannot drive.
The commissioner may limit the license to particular vehicles, particular classes and times of operation, and particular traffic conditions. A limited license also must clearly indicate the limitations imposed, and the driver operating under the limited license must have the license in possession at all times when operating as a driver.
You should also know that Minnesota law does not allow the commissioner to issue a class A, class B, or class C limited license. In other words, a limited license is not a commercial driver’s license work permit.
When Can I Apply for a Limited License?
There is a waiting period before you may receive a limited license. For a first DWI or implied-consent violation, a limited license must not be issued for 15 days. Minnesota law also provides that, when an officer serves immediate notice of revocation for a test refusal or test failure, the officer issues a temporary license effective for only 14 days.
During this waiting period, though, you may start – but cannot finish – the application process:
- Pass a written test that is related to drinking and driving issues. Study chapters 7 and 8 of the Driver’s Safety Manual in advance. Taking this test can be done before the revocation period even begins.
- Pay a reinstatement fee of $680.00.
- Complete a license reinstatement application and pay a new license fee. This new license application is where you will need to show that public transportation or carpooling is not a reasonable alternative and would be a significant hardship.
- Upon completing the above, and when your license is revoked and the waiting period has expired, you apply for the limited license and meet with an evaluator or administrator from the DPS Office at your testing site for approval. Be sure to bring copies of your test score.
What Happens if I Violate the Conditions of a Limited License?
You should be aware that violating any condition or limitation of the limited license or failing to have it in your possession when driving is a misdemeanor offense.
In addition, except as otherwise provided in the ignition interlock program, a person who violates a condition or limitation of a limited license may not operate a motor vehicle for the remainder of the suspension or revocation period, or 30 days, whichever is longer.
Yes. A limited license is often called a work permit because it allows limited driving for approved purposes, often related to work. But the license is not unlimited, and it will list the specific times, places, and purposes for which you may drive.
No. A limited license is only available to a small subset of DUI defendants. Generally, first-time drivers with no qualified prior impaired driving incidents and a test result below twice the legal limit are the drivers most likely to qualify, while drivers with qualified priors often must use ignition interlock.
You must show that your livelihood, substance use disorder treatment or counseling, homemaker responsibilities, or attendance at a postsecondary school depends on the use of the license. The commissioner may also require you to affirmatively show that public transportation or carpooling would be a significant hardship.
For a first DWI or implied-consent violation, Minnesota law says a limited license must not be issued for 15 days. The officer’s temporary license after a test refusal or test failure is effective for only 14 days.
The maximum number of driving hours each week can be 60, but your work permit will specify the exact number of hours you may drive. The permit will also limit when and where you can drive, and you must pick one day each week in which you cannot drive.
No. Minnesota law says the commissioner shall not issue a class A, class B, or class C limited license. A DWI can also create separate commercial driver’s license disqualification issues.
Violating a condition or limitation of a limited license, or failing to have the license in immediate possession while driving, is a misdemeanor. A violation can also extend the time you are not allowed to operate a motor vehicle.
Yes. A limited license restricts when, where, and why you may drive. Ignition interlock is a separate restricted-license program that requires an approved device and is required for many drivers with qualified prior impaired driving incidents or other DWI-related revocations.
Talk With North Star Criminal Defense About Your License Options
If your license has been revoked after a DWI, implied-consent violation, test refusal, or test failure, contact North Star Criminal Defense to discuss whether a limited license or ignition interlock is the correct path for you.