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 New Hampshire, individuals whose driver's licenses have been suspended or revoked due to a DUI/DWI arrest may be eligible to apply for a limited privilege driving license, commonly referred to as a 'Cinderella' license. This type of license allows the individual to drive for specific purposes, such as work, school, alcohol or drug treatment programs, and medical appointments. The eligibility for such a license and the restrictions imposed are determined on a case-by-case basis, taking into account the severity of the offense and the individual's driving history. To apply for a limited privilege license, the individual must petition the court and demonstrate a need for the license. The court will consider whether granting the license is in the interest of public safety. If approved, the individual will be required to pay applicable fees and may need to provide an SR-22 insurance form, which is a certificate of financial responsibility. It's important to note that driving outside the allowed purposes is prohibited and can result in further penalties.