Qualifying for a Massachusetts OUI Hardship License

If you have been charged with Operating Under the Influence (OUI) in Massachusetts and your license has been suspended, you may be able to file for a hardship license. A hardship license is granted in certain cases to Massachusetts OUI offenders, and allows the licensee to drive for certain 12-hour periods throughout the week. The purpose of this license is to avoid a clear hardship that not having a driver’s license would cause, like an inability to get to work. In order to qualify for a Massachusetts OUI hardship license, you must meet certain criteria depending on your OUI history and your current situation.

What Can I Get a Hardship License For?

In Massachusetts, you can apply for a hardship license after pleading guilty to, convicted of, or Continued Without a Finding for an OUI. If this is the case, you will then need to prove that you must be able to drive for:

• Work
• Medical appointments
• Education purposes
• Other situations that will be determined to be valid by the Registry of Motor Vehicles

If not having access to transportation for any of the above situations will create a serious hardship, read on about the additional criteria required for a hardship license.

First Offense OUI Hardship License

• You have not operated a motor vehicle since the time of your suspension
• You have no additional license suspensions in effect
• You have a documented hardship that you are able to prove
  • This must be a letter from your employer, including your working hours
  • If you are selfemployed, you must be able to prove that you rely on personal transportation
• You are able to prove that public transportation is not an option
• Additional requirements such as qualifying for a 24D disposition, and enrolled in the 9024D Program.

Multiple Offense OUI Hardship License

In addition to meeting all criteria of the first offense OUI hardship license, you must meet these requirements as well:

• Meet the minimum required suspension time
• Completed the required alcohol treatment program
• Provide proof for completing all aftercare
• Ignition Interlock installed in your vehicle. This is an onboard breathalyzer that you must use before being allowed to operate your vehicle.

Can I Get Help Applying For a Massachusetts OUI Hardship License?

If you are concerned about the complexity of applying for a Massachusetts OUI Hardship License, there are lawyers available to help you. Your Massachusetts OUI is not a guarantee that you will be unable to operate a motor vehicle, provided that you need personal transportation to avoid hardships for you or your family. If you believe that you meet all of the qualifying criteria and need legal assistance to move forward with this process, contact an attorney today to determine the next steps. If you are doing all of the required work to make amends for your error, an attorney may be able to explore your options to ensure that you and your loved ones do not need to go through an unnecessary hardship because of this mistake.