Occupational License Workarounds

Occupational Licenses

Losing your driver’s license is more than just an inconvenience: it can make the difference between being able to keep your job and facing unemployment. Pennsylvania drivers facing license suspensions are required to surrender their driver’s license, but they do have the opportunity to continue driving under certain circumstances by applying for an Occupational Limited License (OLL). An OLL is a restricted license that sets specific hours when a driver whose privileges to operate a motorcycle or vehicle can drive to work, as well as to school or to medical appointments if needed.  Once issued, it is valid for the duration of your suspension.

To get an Occupational Limited License, you need to submit an application using form DL-15 along with all appropriate fees. The application will be evaluated by the Department of Transportation with a specific eye to the violations on your driving record that led to your suspension. If you’re deemed ineligible, you will be notified in writing. Likewise, if you’re accepted you’ll get a notification along with a special OLL camera card that needs to be taken to the nearest Photo License Center.

Depending upon the conditions of your suspension, you may need to apply for an Ignition Interlock Occupational Limited License.  Occupational Limited Licenses are not automatically made available. They are not available under certain circumstances, including when your driving privilege has been:

• Revoked
• Disqualified
• Cancelled
• Recalled

You also may not be eligible based on previous violations, or if insufficient time has passed between your suspension and the time of your application. If you fail to attend a department hearing or a citation your request will be denied until you have satisfied that requirement, and if you are caught driving while suspended you will also be denied until your suspension term is fully served.

There are certain also certain violations that preclude your ability to get one of these restricted licenses. They include:

• Passing a school bus
• Racing on a highway
• Homicide by vehicle
• Fleeing a police officer
• Driving without lights
• Aggravated Assault while DUI
• Reckless Driving
• Leaving the scene of an accident
• Having two DUIs unless you have a second 18-month suspension

The license is also not available for people who have been deemed ineligible to have one or who have never been licensed by the state of Pennsylvania or any other state, and if you have been issued an Occupational Limited License within five years’ time, you are also ineligible for a new one.

To find out whether you are eligible to receive an OLL during your license suspension period, contact the attorneys at Baer Romain. We will help you find the best workaround to allow you to keep up with your responsibilities.