Oregon Hardship Permits

If you’ve had your driver’s license suspended in Oregon, you may be eligible for a hardship permit.

What is Oregon Hardship Permits Program

If you’ve had your driver’s license suspended in Oregon, you may be eligible for a hardship permit. A hardship permit allows you to drive to work, school, or other important places during your license suspension period. In this article, we’ll discuss the Oregon hardship permit, including what it is, who is eligible, and how to apply.

Who is Eligible for an Oregon Hardship Permit?

An Oregon hardship permit, also known as a hardship driver’s license, is a restricted driver’s license available only to Oregon residents that allows you to drive during your license suspension period for specific purposes. These purposes include driving to work, school, court-ordered treatment programs, and other essential activities. 

Hardship permits are issued by the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) and are only available to individuals who meet certain eligibility criteria.

To be eligible for an Oregon hardship permit, you must meet the following criteria:

  • Your driver’s license has been suspended or revoked due to a DUII conviction or other traffic violation.
  • You have completed any required alcohol or drug treatment programs.
  • You have an essential need to drive, such as driving to work or school.
  • You have proof of financial responsibility, such as an SR-22 insurance certificate.
  • You have not had a DUII conviction within the past five years.
  • If you meet these eligibility criteria, you can apply for an Oregon hardship permit.

How to Apply for an Oregon Hardship Permit

To apply for an Oregon hardship permit, you must follow these steps:

  1. Complete the Application for Hardship Driver’s License form, which can be found on the ODOT website.
  2. Provide proof of financial responsibility, such as an SR-22 insurance certificate.
  3. Provide proof of completion of any required alcohol or drug treatment programs.
  4. Pay the required fee.
  5. Provide a copy of your driving record.
  6. Provide a letter explaining why you need a hardship permit and the essential activities you need to drive to.
  7. You may need to attend a hearing with the DMV to determine if you are eligible for a hardship permit.

Once you have completed these steps, the DMV will review your application and determine if you are eligible for a hardship permit.

If you are granted a hardship permit, it will include specific restrictions, such as the times of day you are allowed to drive and the specific destinations you are allowed to drive to. You must follow these restrictions or risk having your hardship permit revoked.

It’s important to note that a hardship permit is not a full driver’s license, and it only allows you to drive for essential activities. If you are caught driving outside of the restrictions of your hardship permit, you may face additional penalties, such as fines or jail time.

There may be some circumstances in which getting a hardship permit should be avoided. Since getting a hardship permit requires getting an SR-22 insurance certificate, getting the SR-22 will increase your insurance rates until the SR-22 requirement is lifted by the DMV. That usually occurs after 3 years of the SR-22 requirement being in place, and is required after any traffic crime conviction. However, if your driver’s license suspension is based only on a failed breath test, and if you abide by the license suspension for 90 days, you could avoid submitting an SR-22 entirely. This would allow you to avoid the increased insurance costs, while still reinstating your driver’s license. 

Conclusion

If you’ve had your driver’s license suspended in Oregon, a hardship permit may be the solution you need to continue driving for essential purposes. By following the steps outlined in this article and meeting the eligibility criteria, you can apply for an Oregon hardship permit and continue driving to work, school, and other important places during your license suspension period. However, there are special circumstances in which getting a hardship permit may not be the best option. You should discuss with an attorney whether getting a hardship permit is a good option for you. 

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