Specialized driving privileges (SDP) to the rescue!

It’s like a bad nightmare…your driver’s license gets suspended.  Whatever the circumstances that led to the suspension, you are left wondering how you’ll get around in the sprawled out Central Indiana region.  That’s where specialized driving privileges come into play.

What are specialized driving privileges?

In 2014, the Indiana legislature decided to help drivers who have lost their driving privileges by allowing courts to grant specialized driving privileges. These privileges allow anyone who has had their license suspended or forfeited to receive driving privileges to get to and from work and work-related activities.  However, these privileges may not be granted under certain circumstances:

• If you are suspended for refusing a chemical test during a DUI stop,
• Have never had a valid Indiana driver’s license or you only had a learner’s permit
• Hold a commercial driver’s license (CDL),
• Have been convicted of operating a motor vehicle and causing the death of another person, or;
• Have previously had a specialized driving privilege and violated the terms of it.

You also may need to show proof of insurance in order to qualify for SDP.

Once a petition is filed, a hearing will be held before a judge who will make the ultimate decision whether to grant specialized driving privileges.  The judge will set the terms of the privileges which may be expanded to cover medical appointments or activities like parenting time exchanges or counseling appointments.

Violations

If you knowingly or intentionally violate a condition of the SDP, you can be convicted of a Class C misdemeanor.  The court may modify or even revoke the specialized driving privileges and order the re-suspension of your driver’s license.

Attorney Allan W. Reid at Foley Panszi Law can advise you about whether you are eligible for specialized driving privileges, what is needed to file, and the requirements you must abide by if the SDP is granted. Mr. Reid can be contacted at 317-732-1500 or by emailing areid@foleypanszilaw.com.