Driving for Work or School After Losing Your License in Prince William County, VA
How Restricted Licenses Work in Virginia
Losing your license can disrupt almost every part of your life, especially if you rely on driving for work or school. In Virginia, it is sometimes possible to continue driving under limited conditions through a restricted driver’s license. Whether you qualify depends on the reason for your suspension and approval from either the court or the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Contact Battlefield Law Group today. Our attorneys can guide you through the restricted license process and help you regain the ability to drive for work or school as soon as possible.
Understanding Restricted Licenses in Virginia
If your license is suspended or revoked because of a DUI or another serious traffic violation, you cannot drive until it is reinstated unless you are granted restricted privileges.
Virginia Code § 18.2-271.1(E) allows a court to issue a restricted driver’s license after certain DUI convictions. This type of license permits driving only for specific purposes such as:
Traveling to and from work or school
Attending medical or mental health treatment
Participating in court-ordered programs or community service
Attending court appearances or meetings with a probation officer
Transporting a minor child to school or daycare
The court order must clearly list each approved purpose, and you must carry that order with you whenever you drive.
How the Process Works in Prince William County
In Prince William County, requests for restricted licenses are handled by the Circuit Court Clerk’s Office when the suspension was court-imposed. If your suspension was issued by the DMV, you must apply directly through the DMV once you meet all reinstatement requirements.
If your suspension resulted from a DUI conviction, you may be required to:
Complete the Virginia Alcohol Safety Action Program (VASAP) as required under Virginia Code § 18.2-271.1.
Install an ignition interlock device under Virginia Code § 18.2-270.1(C).
File a petition for a restricted driver’s license using forms available from the Prince William County Circuit Court Clerk’s Office.
Provide a certified copy of your driving record and proof of enrollment in VASAP, if applicable.
Attend a hearing where the judge decides whether to grant restricted driving privileges.
If the court grants your petition, it will send the signed order to the DMV. The DMV will then issue a restricted license that outlines when and where you may drive. The Prince William County Circuit Court provides a Restricted License Worksheet and instructions for this process on its official site: pwcva.gov – Restoration of Driving Privilege.
What Happens If You Violate the Restrictions
If you drive outside the times, routes, or purposes listed on your restricted license, you can be charged with Driving While License is Suspended or Revoked under Virginia Code § 46.2-301. This offense can result in additional fines, an extended suspension, or even jail time.
What If Your Suspension Is Not DUI-Related
For non-DUI suspensions, such as those caused by unpaid fines or point accumulation, you may be able to restore your driving privileges through the DMV after completing the requirements outlined in Virginia Code § 46.2-411. These typically include paying outstanding fees, completing any required programs, and providing proof of financial responsibility (such as an SR-22 insurance certificate).
The Bottom Line
In Virginia, and specifically in Prince William County, you may be allowed to drive for work or school if you are granted a restricted driver’s license by the court or DMV. However, approval is not automatic, and each case depends on your driving history and compliance with state requirements.
When your license is suspended or revoked, having an attorney who understands the nuances of Prince William County Circuit Court procedures and Virginia’s DUI and traffic laws can make a significant difference in your case. Battlefield Law Group right around the corner from the Prince William County Courthouse, and our attorneys are there almost every day representing clients on matters involving license suspensions, DUI charges, and other criminal and traffic cases. We can help you determine your eligibility for a restricted driver’s license, prepare the necessary documents, and present your case effectively before the court.
