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Q: What is an ODL (Occupational Drivers License)?
A: An ODL is a special restricted license which grants limited driving privileges to its recipient.
Q: How do I know if I am eligible for an ODL?
A: If your drivers license was suspended, revoked, or denied renewal for almost any driving offense, including DWI and traffic offenses, such as driving with an invalid or suspended license, you can obtain an ODL. However, if your license was suspended or revoked for medical reasons or delinquent child support, you may not be eligible for an ODL.
Q: What does the court require to obtain an ODL?
A: Essentially, you need (1) a verified petition; (2) filing fees; (3) SR-22 Insurance; (3) proposed order. (Depending on your particular situation, a judge may request additional information, e.g., proof of interlock installed on vehicle)
Q: What are the requirements to obtain the ODL from DPS?
A: Send the following items to DPS: Certified Copy of the Petition Certified Copy of the Order granting the ODL An original SR-22 certificate of insurance An occupational license fee All required reinstatement fee Q: How is an ODL different from a regular license? A: An ODL’s privileges are limited. For example, you are limited to the number of hours you can be on the road each day. Also, you can only use it for limited purposes, e.g., to and from work, for work purposes, to go to school, to make medical appointments, etc. Q: How much time will I be allowed to drive? A: The law grants only 4 hours of actual time on the road unless the presiding judge waives the time restriction. In any case, you will not be allowed to drive more than 12 hours on the road in any 24 hour time
period.
Q: Can I operate a commercial vehicle with an ODL?
A: Sorry, state law prohibits the granting of an ODL for the purpose of operating a commercial vehicle.
Q: Why do I have to obtain SR-22 insurance?
A: State law and the courts require that you have insurance in order to get an ODL and the insurance has to be verified. SR-22 insurance is the only kind that is required to be verified to
DPS.
Q: How much does it cost to obtain an ODL?
A: The costs associated with obtaining an ODL vary from county to county. There is a cost to file the required petition with the court and there are fees that must be mailed to DPS in order to obtain an occupational license from them. Also, there are attorney’s fees which can vary depending on the county. Contact our office and we will be happy to discuss the costs for your particular case.
Q: Do I have to go to court with the attorney to get the ODL?
A: This answer also varies depending on the county. Some counties will require a hearing if the ODL stems from a DWI or drug case. Others don’t require a hearing for license suspensions that resulted from traffic convictions. Our office can discuss your particular situation over the phone.
Q: How long is an ODL good for?
A: An ODL is valid for one year or less unless a judge specifies in the order the ODL is valid for 2 years. The additional year license costs only $10.00.
Q: I have outstanding traffic tickets, do I have to take care of those before I can get an ODL?
A: The best answer is No. However, it is possible that a judge will require that you clear up any problems you may have with your traffic tickets before you can obtain an ODL. This has really never been a problem for our office.