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Being charged with operating while intoxicated (OWI) in Michigan often leads to one of the most stressful penalties of all: losing your driver’s license. For many people, not being able to drive means they cannot get to work, take their children to school, or handle everyday responsibilities.

Fortunately, in some cases, Michigan law allows drivers to apply for a restricted license after an OWI conviction. A restricted license gives you limited driving privileges, usually for specific purposes like employment, medical care, or education.

At Ben Hall Law, our East Lansing OWI defense attorneys guide clients through every stage of the process, including protecting their ability to drive. Knowing when and how you may qualify for a restricted license can help you plan and protect your future.

Restricted License After

When Are You Eligible for a Restricted License After a Michigan OWI?

Eligibility for a restricted license in Michigan depends on several factors, including whether it is your first, second, or third OWI offense, your blood alcohol concentration (BAC), and whether you complied with testing requirements.

  • First Offense OWI: In many cases, you may be eligible for a restricted license after serving a 30-day “hard suspension” where you cannot drive at all. After that period, you can apply for restricted driving privileges for up to 150 days.
  • High BAC Offense: If your BAC was .17% or higher, you may qualify for a restricted license after 45 days, but only if you install an ignition interlock device (IID) in your vehicle.
  • Second Offense: A second OWI within seven years usually results in a minimum one-year license revocation. You may petition for license reinstatement after that period, but you are not automatically eligible for a restricted license.
  • Third Offense (Felony OWI): A third conviction typically leads to a five-year license revocation. After that time, you can request reinstatement through a driver’s license appeal hearing.

Each case is unique, and eligibility depends on meeting strict requirements set by the Michigan Secretary of State. Our attorneys help clients understand these rules and prepare the necessary documentation so that they can take back control of their lives.

What Are the Rules for Driving On a Restricted License?

A restricted license does not give you the freedom to drive wherever you want, whenever you want.

Instead, it allows you to drive for specific, essential purposes such as:

  • Traveling to and from work.
  • Attending school or job training.
  • Going to medical appointments or treatment programs.
  • Driving to probation or court-ordered activities.
  • Transporting dependents to school or childcare.

Violating the conditions of your restricted license can lead to additional penalties, including longer suspensions, fines, or jail time. That is why it is critical to understand the limits of your driving privileges and follow them carefully.

How a Michigan Defense Attorney Can Help With Restricted License Applications

Applying for a restricted license may sound straightforward, but in reality, the process can be complicated. Mistakes in paperwork, missing deadlines, or failing to provide the correct documentation can result in denial.

Our experienced Michigan OWI defense attorneys can:

  • Determine your eligibility based on your charges and record.
  • Guide you through the application process and ensure deadlines are met.
  • Represent you in license appeal hearings before the Michigan Secretary of State.
  • Challenge unnecessary restrictions or conditions.
  • Work to protect your driving rights while simultaneously defending against your OWI charges.

At Ben Hall Law, our attorneys use our background in law enforcement and prosecution to give clients every advantage. We understand how the state reviews these requests and what it takes to achieve the best possible outcome.

Contact Our East Lansing OWI Defense Attorneys Today

If you have been charged with OWI in Michigan, losing your license does not have to mean losing your independence. You may still qualify for restricted driving privileges that allow you to keep your job, care for your family, and maintain stability in your life.

Call 877-BEN-HALL (517-798-5801) or contact us online today to schedule a free consultation with our East Lansing OWI defense attorneys. We will review your case, explain your options for restricted licenses, and fight to protect your driving rights and your future.