In the state of Massachusetts, the Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) issues restricted licenses to some drivers who have had their privileges suspended for serious violations. These restricted licenses —also known as “hardship leave”— allow a vehicle to be operated in exceptional circumstances, while a suspension sentence is being served and the driver regains his privileges.
Unlike other procedures that are carried out in the offices of the RMV of Massachusetts, hardship licenses are only requested during the hearing to which the driver is summoned in suspension cases. For this reason, it is necessary to collect the necessary documents to be eligible before attending said hearing.
How to apply for a hardship driver’s license in Massachusetts?
Hardship driver’s licenses in Massachusetts are reserved for special cases in which the applicant presents the necessary documentation. They can be granted if the driver commits a first offense or if it is a recurring offense, in the latter case the process is usually stricter. According to the official website of the Motor Vehicle Registry (RMV), the steps to follow are the following:
1. Attend the corresponding hearing: When the sanction of suspension is imposed, the driver interested in obtaining a hardship license must appear in order to complete the application process.
2. Collect the necessary documents to make the application: each suspension case is different, therefore it is necessary for the driver to attend the hearing with the documentation that allows him to qualify for this privilege. According to the RMV, there are four basic types of violations that result in suspension, each requiring its own set of acceptable documents to apply for a restricted or hardship license:
– Acceptable Documents to Apply for a First Offense Hardship License (24D)
– Acceptable Documents to Apply for a Multiple Offense Hardship License
– Acceptable Documents to Apply for a Drug Offense Hardship License (94C)
– Acceptable Documents to Apply for a Hardship License for Habitual Traffic Violations
3. Pay the corresponding fee: on such requests, according to official information from the RMV, the fees can range from $100 to $1,200.
Drivers with multiple offenses and others with serious violations may be required to install an ignition interlock device in order to obtain the privilege of a hardship leave. In the event that the authorities need additional documentation, it will be requested during the hearing, obliging the applicant to collect and record it as indicated.
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