Mass. Hardship License Letters

Hardship license procedures at the Registry and the Board of Appeal must be followed to increase your chances of getting a Mass. hardship or Cinderella license. Requirements for a hardship license include providing certain documents such as a letter from your employer or acceptable proof of self-employment. For DUI suspensions, documentation showing proof of completion of a drug or alcohol education program, such as the 24D or DUIL program is also essential. Letters of recommendation which discuss the hardship license applicant’s character, family situation, background, accomplishments, risk to the public safety, and need to drive can also make the difference between getting a Cinderella license or having to serve the remaining portion of your suspension or revocation.

Where someone’s license is suspended for drunk driving, proof of attendance at Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), smart recovery, NA, or other similar self-help/group therapy meetings can be very valuable. These letters show that the hardship license applicant is taking on-going steps to prevent a relapse.

In cases where the person seeking a hardship or work license is on parole or probation, a letter from the person’s parole or probation officer can be very helpful. The more detail included in the letter, the better. At a minimum, it should state that there have been no parole or probation violations, and that the person is not prohibited from driving or trying to get a license as a condition of probation. The Board of Appeal requires that probationers provide a copy of the Board of Appeal hearing notice to the appellant’s probation officer.

Having the right documentation can make the difference between winning and losing.  When it comes to hardship licensing, Attorney Brian Simoneau works with his clients to ensure that they have the right documents to satisfy Registry and Board of Appeal hardship license requirements. Other important steps include carefully reviewing the applicant’s driving and criminal records, addressing any issues such as open cases and unpaid citations, writing a detailed hearing memorandum which explains the situation and need to drive as well as the applicable law, and making a convincing presentation of the client’s case to the Board of Appeal or Registry of Motor Vehicles.

Hardship license letters can be written by anyone who has personal knowledge of your situation. This includes friends and family members. The “work letter” must be written by your employer. However, others can write letters of recommendation which support your request for a limited license.