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 Indiana, individuals whose driver's licenses have been suspended or revoked due to a DUI/DWI charge may be eligible to apply for a specialized driving privilege, formerly known as a hardship license. This restricted license allows them to drive for essential purposes such as employment, education, medical appointments, attending court-ordered treatment programs, and other necessary activities to maintain their household. The specific conditions and limitations of the specialized driving privilege are determined by the court and must be strictly adhered to by the driver. To apply for this privilege, the individual must file a petition in the court of their residence and may be required to pay application fees and provide an SR-22 insurance form, which is a certificate of financial responsibility. It's important to note that driving to social events or for visiting family and friends is not permitted under this type of license. The regulations for these restricted licenses are typically found in the state's vehicle or motor vehicle codes.