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 Washington State, individuals whose driver's licenses have been suspended or revoked due to a DUI/DWI arrest may be eligible to apply for an Ignition Interlock Driver License (IIDL), which is a type of restricted license. This license allows them to drive to and from work, school, substance abuse treatment programs, court-ordered obligations, and other essential life functions. To obtain an IIDL, the individual must install an ignition interlock device on their vehicle, provide proof of financial responsibility (usually in the form of an SR-22 insurance certificate), and pay the necessary fees. The Washington State Department of Licensing oversees the application process for the IIDL. It's important to note that driving to social events or for other non-essential purposes is not permitted with an IIDL. The specific regulations and requirements for obtaining and using an IIDL in Washington are detailed in the state's vehicle or transportation codes.