MY LICENSE WAS SUSPENDED, CAN I STILL DRIVE TO WORK?
Nov. 8, 2021
Driving a vehicle without a valid license is an offense punishable under Pennsylvania law. According to a 2019 study by the Buhl Foundation, on average, the driver’s licenses of over 57,000 18 to 24-year-olds in Pennsylvania are suspended every year. With your driver's license suspended, driving to work or school might be an issue. An experienced Pennsylvania attorney can enlighten you about your rights and help you navigate important decisions.
At The Law Offices of John Della Rocca, I am committed to offering experienced legal guidance and comprehensive representation to individuals who have their licenses suspended. As your legal counsel, I will evaluate the surrounding details of your unique situation, help you understand your rights, and explore your available legal options. I will fight vigorously to defend your rights, attempt to get your license reinstated, or help you get an occupational limited license. My firm is proud to serve clients across Philadelphia, Bucks County, Delaware County, Chester County, and Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, as well as communities throughout New Jersey.
Common Reasons for License Suspension
A license suspension means that you are unable to drive legally for a specified period of time. However, you can get your license reinstated later. The Pennsylvania Department of Motor Vehicles (PA DMV) can suspend your driver's license due to a number of reasons, including:
Failure to respond to a citation
Failure to pay for a citation or maintain a payment plan
Refusing to submit to a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) test
Driving under the influence
Excessive moving violations
Not appearing in court
Accumulation of demerit points on your driving record
Outstanding traffic tickets
Outstanding child support payments
Driving without insurance
Excessive speed
Not stopping for a school bus
Civil judgments stemming from a motor vehicle accident
Depending on the surrounding circumstances of your unique situation, you may be eligible for an occupational limited license to enable you to drive to school, work, or the hospital. An experienced attorney can determine whether you qualify and enlighten you about the application process.
Occupational Limited License
An occupational limited license (OLL) is a non-commercial driver's license issued to Pennsylvania residents with a suspended license. An OLL authorizes you to drive to work, school, or for medical treatment under certain conditions.
Who Qualifies?
Under Pennsylvania driver’s license laws, you may qualify for an OLL under certain circumstances when:
You need to get to work.
You need to get to the hospital for medical treatment.
You need to get to school or your place of study, such as high school or college.
You are not eligible for an OLL if:
Your driving privilege has been disqualified, revoked, recalled, or canceled.
You have been issued an OLL within the last five years.
An experienced attorney can enlighten you about the application process and ensure that you meet the necessary requirements.
The Process
Here are the steps to apply for an OLL in Pennsylvania:
Complete and file the appropriate form (Form DL-15, Occupational Limited License Petition).
Submit the form with the appropriate fees. You can make extra copies for documentation.
PennDOT will evaluate your petition, review the violations on your driving record, and determine your eligibility.
Upon reviewing your application, the Department will notify you in writing within 20 days as to whether you qualify for an OLL or not.
If you qualify, you will receive an OLL camera card to obtain a photo OLL.
You must carry your photo and form together at all times.
The OLL will be valid throughout the length of your license's suspension. Your attorney can guide you through the application process and help you navigate key decisions.
Experienced Guidance You Can Trust
Having your license suspended can make it difficult for you to drive to work or school. However, driving on a suspended license can result in massive fines, jail time, and other devastating consequences. Thankfully, you can apply for an occupational limited license to help you drive to work, school, or for medical treatment. An experienced criminal defense attorney can help determine your eligibility and guide you through the application process.
At The Law Offices of John Della Rocca, I have the experience and resources to assist and guide clients in suspended license-related matters. As your legal counsel, I will review and investigate the surrounding details of your unique situation, help you understand the benefits of getting an OLL, and determine whether you qualify.
Also, I will help with the necessary documentation, file your forms, guide you through the application process from start to finish, and improve your chances of being approved. Even if your application was denied, I will help take additional action. I will fight vigorously to protect your driving privileges and help get your driver's license reinstated.
Contact my firm – The Law Offices of John Della Rocca – today to schedule a one-on-one case assessment with an experienced suspended license attorney. I can offer you the detailed legal counsel and reliable advocacy you need. My firm is proud to serve clients across Philadelphia, Bucks County, Delaware County, Chester County, and Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, as well as communities throughout New Jersey.