REAL ADVOCACY WHEN YOU NEED IT TALK WITH US
hands of car driver on steering wheel, road trip, driving on highway road

Filing for Limited Driving Privileges

Guilfoil Law Group April 24, 2022

A driver’s license gives the holder the freedom to move more easily between the places they want and need to go. If you have lost that freedom due to driving under the influence or excessive points on your license, you understand the loss of that mobility.

Although you may be receiving punishment with a denied, revoked, or suspended license for mistakes you have made, you also risk being unable to perform basic and necessary activities, such as getting to and from work, school, or court, going to the grocery store, or seeing your doctor. Allowing those who have lost their licenses to do these types of things is the purpose of limited driving privileges.

At Guilfoil Law Group, I help clients in Kansas City, Missouri, and in Jackson, Platte, and Clay counties obtain limited driving privileges. If you want to find out whether you qualify and how to apply, I can help.

What Is a Limited Driving Privilege?

A limited driving privilege (LDP), often referred to as a “hardship license,” allows you to drive to and from authorized destinations while your driver’s license is suspended or revoked and you are currently ineligible for reinstatement.

A primary example of the purpose of the privilege is driving for employment purposes. Missouri would rather keep you employed rather than lose your job because you have no other way to get to and from the workplace. You may even be able to get a hardship license if you have a commercial driver’s license (CDL), but only to operate a private vehicle. You cannot drive a commercial vehicle until your CDL is reinstated.

Who Is Eligible to File for Limited
Driving Privileges in Missouri?

The state of Missouri recognizes that those who cannot have their driver’s licenses reinstated may need to be authorized for driving for emergency situations or employment. However, not everyone is eligible to apply for the privilege through the Department of Revenue (DOR).

Some people may not qualify for a limited driving privilege through the DOR but may have other remedies instead. Those whose licenses are suspended for a DUI conviction or alcohol-related administrative suspension need to apply for a restricted driving privilege, which is more restrictive than a limited driving privilege. Those with a five-year or 10-year denial of their driver’s license must petition the court for LDP rather than apply through the DOR.

Among the qualifications that make you ineligible for limited driving privileges include:

  • You’re eligible for reinstatement but have not yet met all requirements

  • A conviction for a vehicular felony in the past five years

  • Your license was revoked due to failure of a DOR-required driver’s or medical exam

  • Failure to pay a judgment related to a motor vehicle accident

  • Failure to pay outstanding traffic tickets

  • You are not a Missouri resident or do not attend school or have employment in the state

How Do I File for Limited
Driving Privileges in Missouri?

Filing for LDP through the DOR requires submission of an application along with documentation regarding SR-22 insurance and an ignition interlock device, if applicable for a DUI offense.

If you are not eligible to apply through the DOR, you must file a petition with the circuit court in your county of residence. If the court issues an Order Granting Limited Driving Privileges, a copy must be filed with the DOR.

What If I Am Denied LDP?

If your application or petition for limited or restricted driving privileges is denied, the reasons for denial should be provided to you. In many cases, there are remedies for the denial. For example, perhaps you do not have the SR-22 insurance required for high-risk drivers or purchased coverage from an insurer not approved to provide SR-22 insurance in Missouri. Perhaps you need to file for restricted rather than limited driving privileges.

Whatever the reason for the denial, so long as you are not ineligible for LDP, your attorney can help you take steps to meet the requirements and reapply to the DOR or file a new petition with the court.

Reliable Representation

At Guilfoil Law Group, I understand the hardship of having your driver’s license suspended, revoked, or denied. I also fully understand Missouri laws that are designed to allow some driving privileges during the period you are ineligible for driver’s license reinstatement and use the law to help my clients in Kansas City and throughout Missouri obtain LDP.

If you have lost your driver’s license, contact Guilfoil Law Group today to discuss your circumstances. I want to help, so make the call now.