A hardship license is a limited, temporary driver's license provided in some states to individuals whose license was suspended for driving while intoxicated (DWI) or driving under the influence (DUI). A hardship license differs from a work permit because it also allows them to drive during certain hours of day and for certain trips such as medical visits.
In some states, a hardship license may also refer to special driver's license provided to young teenagers under special circumstances.
Hardship License Explained
In most jurisdictions, if an individual is found to be driving with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) level of 0.08% or more, they are charged for driving under influence (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI). The driver's license of a convicted DUI offender is taken away. Sometimes they are issued a temporary license for seven days. After that week, their driving privileges are revoked for a considerable period of time. In that scenario, some states allow individuals to apply for a hardship license which is a limited temporary driver's license.