A driver whose license has been suspended or revoked following arrest for a DUI/DWI charge may sometimes apply for an occupational or restricted driver’s license to perform essential life functions until the driver is able to seek to have their driver’s license reinstated. This temporary and limited driver’s license is known by a number of names, including an occupational license, a restricted license, an essential need license, a hardship license, or a limited driving privilege (LDP) license.

Laws regarding the availability and use of such restricted licenses vary from state to state but generally allow the driver to drive to and from (1) work; (2) school, college, or university; (3) places the driver must visit to maintain the household, including the grocery store or market, pharmacy, laundromat, and gas station; (4) church or place of worship; (5) medical appointments; and (6) court-ordered alcohol treatment and rehabilitation programs. Driving to visit family or friends or to attend social events is not permitted on a restricted license.

A person applying for an occupational or restricted driver’s license will be required to pay application fees to the department of motor vehicles and will often be required to submit an SR-22 proof of insurance form (see the related subtopic).

Laws regarding the availability and use of restricted licenses following a DUI/DWI arrest are generally located in a state’s statutes—often in the vehicle code, motor vehicle code, or transportation code.

In Ohio, individuals whose driver's licenses have been suspended or revoked due to a DUI/DWI charge may be eligible to apply for limited driving privileges, which are similar to what is known in some states as an occupational or restricted driver's license. These limited privileges allow the individual to drive for specific essential purposes, such as going to work, school, medical appointments, court-ordered treatment programs, and other necessary household maintenance activities. Ohio law does not permit driving for social visits or recreational purposes under these limited privileges. The process to obtain limited driving privileges typically involves a court petition, and the individual may be required to demonstrate a need for driving to perform essential life functions. Additionally, the applicant may need to pay application fees and provide proof of insurance, such as an SR-22 form. The specific regulations and requirements for obtaining limited driving privileges after a DUI/DWI arrest are outlined in Ohio's vehicle and traffic statutes.