A driver whose license has been suspended or revoked following arrest for a DUI/DWI charge may sometimes apply for an occupational or restricted driver’s license to perform essential life functions until the driver is able to seek to have their driver’s license reinstated. This temporary and limited driver’s license is known by a number of names, including an occupational license, a restricted license, an essential need license, a hardship license, or a limited driving privilege (LDP) license.

Laws regarding the availability and use of such restricted licenses vary from state to state but generally allow the driver to drive to and from (1) work; (2) school, college, or university; (3) places the driver must visit to maintain the household, including the grocery store or market, pharmacy, laundromat, and gas station; (4) church or place of worship; (5) medical appointments; and (6) court-ordered alcohol treatment and rehabilitation programs. Driving to visit family or friends or to attend social events is not permitted on a restricted license.

A person applying for an occupational or restricted driver’s license will be required to pay application fees to the department of motor vehicles and will often be required to submit an SR-22 proof of insurance form (see the related subtopic).

Laws regarding the availability and use of restricted licenses following a DUI/DWI arrest are generally located in a state’s statutes—often in the vehicle code, motor vehicle code, or transportation code.

In Arkansas, individuals whose driver's licenses have been suspended or revoked due to a DUI/DWI arrest may be eligible to apply for a restricted driving permit, sometimes referred to as an occupational or hardship license. This type of license allows the individual to drive for specific essential purposes, such as going to work, school, medical appointments, court-ordered treatment programs, and other necessary household maintenance activities. The restricted permit does not allow for driving to social events or for visiting family and friends. To apply for this permit, the individual must typically pay application fees to the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration and provide an SR-22 insurance form, which is a certificate of financial responsibility. The specific regulations and procedures for obtaining a restricted driving permit in Arkansas can be found in the state's motor vehicle statutes. It's important to note that eligibility for such a permit may depend on the specifics of the DUI/DWI case and the individual's driving history. An attorney can provide guidance on the application process and the likelihood of obtaining a restricted permit based on the circumstances of the case.