Losing your license after an Operating While Intoxicated (OWI) offense may make daily life much harder. You might still need to get to work, attend school or take your child to day care. A Wisconsin occupational license gives some drivers limited driving rights during a suspension or revocation. It does not restore your regular license, but it may allow you to drive for essential needs.
Who may qualify after an OWI?
An occupational license lets you drive at set times, in listed areas and for approved reasons. To qualify, you must live in Wisconsin and meet state rules. Your right to apply depends on why you lost your license, your driving record and any wait period.
After a first alcohol-related OWI conviction, you can generally apply right away. A second or later alcohol conviction usually requires a 45-day wait. Drug-related OWI cases and test refusals follow different rules.
The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) will deny your request if you never had a driver’s license or the state canceled it. You also will not qualify if you have two or more suspensions or revocations from separate events within one year.
After a second or later OWI conviction, you must complete an Intoxicated Driver Program assessment. You also need an SR-22 insurance form on file with WisDOT. If a court orders an ignition interlock device, you must follow that order before you drive.
Where and when may you drive?
Your license states when, where and why you may drive. It often covers trips to work, school, medical visits or worship. It might also cover basic home needs, such as buying food or taking a child to day care.
Wisconsin limits you to 12 driving hours per day and 60 hours per week. You may split those hours into separate time blocks. Your license will also list the counties and states where you plan to drive.
Another state might not accept a Wisconsin occupational license. Consider checking that state’s rules before you travel. In addition, you cannot use the license for leisure trips or commercial driving.
Understand your driving limits
A restricted license may ease some of the strain that follows an OWI-related license loss. Understanding the rules and preparing a realistic schedule could help you seek lawful driving hours that fit your work, school and household needs.