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 Minnesota, individuals whose driver's licenses have been suspended or revoked due to a DUI/DWI charge may be eligible to apply for a limited license, which is similar to what is known in some states as an occupational, restricted, or hardship license. This limited license allows the individual to drive for specific purposes such as work, school, substance abuse treatment, court-ordered counseling, medical treatment, and to provide for the necessities of life for the individual and their dependents. The Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS) is responsible for issuing limited licenses, and applicants must demonstrate a compelling need to drive and that public transportation is not a viable alternative. Applicants are typically required to pay a fee and may need to provide proof of insurance, such as an SR-22 form. The specific conditions and eligibility requirements for obtaining a limited license in Minnesota are outlined in the state's statutes, particularly within the sections dealing with motor vehicles and traffic regulations.