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Hardship licenses (often referred to as “Cinderella Licenses”) in Massachusetts are not full driver’s licenses, but they are better than having no license at all. If you need a hardship license, contact a Massachusetts hardship license attorney at The Law Office of Brian Simoneau.
You will be allowed to drive to work thanks to the freedom a Massachusetts hardship license provides, and you will be able to handle many other chores as well. While it offers a measure of independence, a hardship license also requires strict adherence to specific rules and schedules.
You can lose a hardship license by violating its conditions and terms. Listed here are five tips for driving with a hardship license. Following these suggestions will help you retain your hardship license and prepare you for the eventual reinstatement of your full Massachusetts driver’s license.
Tip # 1: Understand and Obey the 12-Hour Rule
A hardship license in Massachusetts lets you do more than drive to your job and back. It grants you a specific, full 12-hour window, 7 days a week, during which you are legally allowed to drive for any reason.
You must choose a consistent 12-hour block (such as 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM) based on your documented work, school, or medical needs. If you drive outside of this window, you can be charged with “unlicensed operation,” which carries criminal penalties for convictions.
Driving outside of your chosen 12-hour block may also result in the loss of your hardship license and a lengthy, full driver’s license suspension. Traffic congestion, construction, and auto accidents are not valid legal excuses for driving outside of your 12-hour limit.
Tip #2: Carry Your Hardship License Paperwork
Carry the original hardship license approval letter or court order with you when you drive. While your hardship license is in the Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) system, having the physical document with you can simplify any interactions you may have with law enforcement officers.
Tip #3: Try to Avoid Traveling Out-of-State
Be cautious about driving in neighboring states. You can drive in other states with a hardship license from Massachusetts because other states honor each other’s licenses, but you must strictly follow the conditions of your hardship license (such as the hours you may drive) in other states.
Most states participate in the DMV Information Sharing Coalition, so law enforcement officers in other states can see your hardship license status. The Coalition is a complex network that allows state Departments of Motor Vehicles (DMVs) to share driver data.
If you are on probation, you must have permission from your probation officer for out-of-state travel. If you have questions about driving in another state with your hardship license, consult a Massachusetts hardship license lawyer by calling The Law Office of Brian Simoneau.
Tip #4: Maintain Your Ignition Interlock Device and Don’t Operate Under the Influence
If your Massachusetts driver’s license suspension was for a second or subsequent operating under the influence (OUI) offense, you may apply to obtain a hardship license, but you must also:
- Complete the court-ordered alcohol treatment program.
- Prove your need to drive (for work, school, or medical reasons) at a Registry of Motor Vehicles hearing.
- Have an IID (Ignition Interlock Device) connected to your vehicle.
You are responsible for the installation and monthly monitoring fees of your IID. A failed breath test can trigger a lockout. If your Ignition Interlock Device locks you out, you must visit a service provider promptly, or your hardship license may be revoked.
Anyone else driving your vehicle must also use the Ignition Interlock Device. If another driver fails a breath test while driving your vehicle, the violation is recorded against your record.
Tip #5: Understand What Happens When Your License Suspension Ends
A Massachusetts hardship license does not automatically turn into a full license on the day your suspension ends. You must contact the RMV to apply for reinstatement and pay the required fees.
Many drivers with hardship licenses must also meet additional requirements, such as enrolling in and completing alcohol education classes and retaking driving tests.
You must pay a reinstatement fee, typically from $500 to $1,200, depending on the original offense. If your hardship license requires you to drive with an Ignition Interlock Device, you may have to keep the device for an additional two years after your full license is reinstated.
Make Your Hardship License Work for You
The best way to avoid violating the terms and conditions of your Massachusetts hardship license is to plan your life wisely. Consider your schedule in advance and comply with the conditions of your license when operating a vehicle.
You may need to ask a friend (or Lyft or Uber) for a ride if you need to be somewhere during the hours you are unable to drive. Living with a restricted license isn’t always easy, but you must obey the rules to maintain your hardship license and eventually have your full license reinstated.
If your full Massachusetts driver’s license has been suspended, at least you have the opportunity to drive on a part-time basis. Acquiring a Massachusetts hardship license is a positive step forward, so do everything you can to keep that license and avoid violations.
How Do You Obtain a Massachusetts Hardship License?
Massachusetts hardship license attorney Brian Simoneau can determine if you are eligible for a hardship license, and if so, he can help you obtain it. The first step is usually a hearing with a Massachusetts RMV Hearing Officer.
Most RMV hearings are now conducted by phone. You must schedule an appointment through the Registry’s Online Service Center. But in some cases, the RMV cannot approve a hardship license.
If the RMV denies your request or has no authority to help you, you may request a hardship license by appealing to the Massachusetts Division of Insurance Appeal Board with the help of Massachusetts hardship license lawyer Brian Simoneau.
Attorney Brian Simoneau will assist you in obtaining a hardship license or reinstating your full Massachusetts driver’s license. To schedule a free first legal consultation, call The Law Office of Brian Simoneau at 508-625-5776.
