Archive for the ‘Occupational Limited License’ Category

Occupational Limited Licenses

Friday, November 25th, 2011

There are many misconceptions about occupational limited licenses (OLL). Many people view it as a “free ride” after their license has been suspended by the state for driving under the influence. This is hardly the case. An occupational limited license is only issued to those individuals who qualify for one, and the qualifications differ greatly on a case-by-case basis, which is individually evaluated.

First of all, if you lost your license as a result of driving under the influence, and plan on taking part in the ARD Program, there is absolutely no way you will be issued an OLL; but if you did receive a DUI, and did not eradicate the charge through the ARD program, then it is possible that you may qualify for an OLL. Also, if you have received a DUI and it is your first driving under the influence offense, the time that your license will be suspended is one year.

During that one year you may apply for an OLL, but the OLL will not be issued until you have participated within at least sixty days of a license suspension. In addition, if you have obtained no more than two DUI’s within the last ten years, and your license suspension is eighteen months, then you may qualify for an OLL; but if you are granted an OLL, you will not receive it until you have served at least twelve of the eighteen sentenced months, and you must also install the ignition interlock device on your car.

Furthermore, if at the time of your arrest you refused to take a breathalyzer test, then you could qualify for an OLL if your license suspension is eighteen months and you have served at least twelve of the eighteen sentenced months; you also need to have no more than two DUI’s throughout the last ten years, and the ignition interlock device installed on your car.

From the listing of these different qualification scenarios, it is obvious that you will have to serve a suspension time without your license if you receive a DUI, and there is no way to get around that fact. Also, not everyone qualifies for an OLL, so do not count on getting one if your license is suspended. The bottom line is that if you have obtained a DUI, you will have to serve a license suspension punishment, the duration of that suspension varies just as much as the qualifications for an OLL.

When you have been charged with a criminal offense, you want an experienced defense lawyer protecting your rights every step of the way. I am attorney Michael V. Worgul, and from my offices in Pittsburgh, I have dedicated my entire career to criminal defense. Having handled over 1,000 cases, I know what to expect in court and I am not afraid of a challenge. To start your case call 1-855-DUI-CRIM today!

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What is a Pennsylvania Occupational Limited License?

Thursday, June 23rd, 2011

A Pennsylvania Occupational Limited License (OLL) is a restricted license that may be issued to a driver in Allegheny County or throughout Pennsylvania who suffers a license suspension related to a conviction for driving under the influence (DUI) conviction.  An OLL license is basically a work only license that is intended for very limited uses including:

  • Driving to and from work
  • Transportation for medical treatment or counseling
  • Driving to and from a trade
  • Transportation for school

To obtain an OLL restricted license, you must submit an application called an Occupational Limited License Petition referred to as Form DL-15.  The PennDOT will analyze your driving record and past vehicle offenses and make a determination whether you qualify for an OLL license.

Time is of the essence if you wish to preserve your driving privileges without interruption.  The application must be submitted a minimum of twenty days before your driver’s license suspension takes effect to avoid interruption of your driving privileges.  Once your petition has been submitted, PennDOT will notify you within 20 days whether you qualify for a restricted driver’s license.  Even if you qualify, your restricted OLL will not be issued until you have surrendered your Pennsylvania Driver’s License.

Once a petition for an OLL has been received and approved by PennDOT prior to the scheduled beginning of your suspension, it will issue a fifteen day extension before your suspension begins.  PennDOT will provide an approval letter and a temporary license so that you can continue driving until the OLL is received.  During the extension period, the driver must email PennDOT their current driver’s license to the address provided.

Anyone seeking an OLL restricted license in Pennsylvania must provide detailed information on any vehicles the person will be driving as well as detailed information regarding the name and location of the employer, school or treatment center to which a person will need to drive.  If you are self-employed, the process can be more complicated so you may want to consult with an experienced Pennsylvania DUI attorney.

A person seeking an OLL must also provide detailed route information if that is applicable.  The point is that an occupational license is just that a limited restricted license so driving in violation of its limitations is extremely risky.  That being said, an OLL license is a way to protect your employment if you have had your driver’s license suspended in conjunction with DUI charges.  It is a valuable way to mitigate the consequences you experience if you are convicted of DUI in Pennsylvania.

Pittsburgh DUI lawyer Michael V. Worgul represents those arrested for DUI in Pittsburgh and throughout Allegheny County.  We have represented hundreds of people charged with DUI preserve their driving privileges, freedom and reputation so call us today for your free initial consultation at (412) 475-9217.

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