Following an arrest for suspected driving under the influence or while intoxicated, you may have concerns about the potential consequences you face. You may face fines, jail time and a suspension of your driver’s license, which may affect your ability to get to and from work, take and pick up your children from school, and perform other day-to-day tasks.
To retain your driving privilege, you may consider applying for an interlock-restricted driver’s license.
Driving with an interlock restricted license
According to the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration, you may obtain an interlock restricted license, provided you meet the necessary eligibility requirements. This license permits you to operate motor vehicles during your license suspension period. To drive with this license, however, you must have an ignition interlock device installed in any vehicles you operate. You may not operate commercial vehicles with an interlock restricted license.
Violating the program’s terms
You may face penalties if you violate the terms of the interlock restricted license program. The authorities may consider driving a vehicle without an interlock device installed, traveling to places other than those specifically allowed with a restricted license, attempting to circumvent or bypass ignition interlock devices, or tampering with an ignition interlock device as violations of the program. Such violations may result in the revocation of your restricted license, requiring you to serve your original suspension period without driving relief. Upon completion of your suspension, you must then serve out your mandatory interlock requirement.
The options available, such as obtaining an interlock-restricted driver’s license, may help you avoid the potential personal and professional repercussions that may come from losing your driving privilege.
