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 Maryland, a driver whose license has been suspended or revoked due to a DUI/DWI charge may be eligible to apply for a restricted driver's license, sometimes referred to as a hardship or work permit license. This type of license allows the individual to drive for specific purposes such as work, school, alcohol education or treatment programs, and other court-ordered obligations. The Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) handles these applications and imposes certain eligibility criteria and restrictions. To apply, the individual must provide proof of the need to drive, which could include a letter from an employer or a school schedule, and may be required to participate in the Ignition Interlock Program. Additionally, the applicant must pay any applicable fees and submit an SR-22 insurance form, which provides proof of minimum liability insurance coverage. The specific provisions and requirements for obtaining a restricted license in Maryland can be found in the state's transportation statutes.