Occupational Limited License
An Occupational Limited License (OLL) is a restricted driver’s license issued by PennDOT to Bucks County, Pennsylvania drivers whose driving privileges have been suspended. This is also referred to as a “bread and butter license.” If your Pennsylvania driver’s license has been revoked or canceled, or you have never received a driver’s license, you are not eligible for a Pennsylvania OLL.
A Pennsylvania Occupational Limited License authorizes a Pennsylvania driver to operate a designated vehicle, under certain conditions, only when it is necessary for the driver’s occupation, trade, medical treatment or study. In order to qualify for a Pennsylvania OLL, you must first surrender your driver’s license to PennDOT and then complete an Occupational Limited License Petition (form DL-15). An individual can be issued only one Pennsylvania OLL every five years.
A Pennsylvania OLL is valid for the length of your Bucks County DUI license suspension term. Your Pennsylvania OLL can be revoked if you commit certain offenses. PennDOT will return your regular license only after your driving privilege has been restored, which includes paying any restoration fees.
Many people still believe that you can obtain an Occupational Limited License if your license is suspended for a DUI. This is no longer the case. As of August 25, 2017, PennDOT no longer allows you to obtain an Occupational Limited License for a DUI-related suspension. This includes suspension for a DUI Refusal as well as Driving While Suspended for a DUI. Ignition Interlock laws have replaced Occupational Limited Licenses when you are suspended for DUI or DUI-related offenses. This means that the only way you are legally permitted to drive while you are suspended for a DUI or DUI Refusal is by obtaining a Pennsylvania Ignition Interlock Limited License. There are specific rules pertaining to when you are eligible for an Ignition Interlock Limited License for a DUI-related license suspension. You can find additional information about the Ignition Interlock here: https://www.buckscountyduilawyers.com/bucks-dui-center/dui-penalties/ignition-interlock/
DUI and DUI-related suspensions are not the only offenses ineligible for an Occupational Limited License. The following types of license suspensions DO NOT qualify for an OLL (this list is not exhaustive):
- 3345 – Passing a School Bus
- 3367 – Racing on Highways
- 3732 – Homicide by Vehicle
- 3733 – Fleeing a Police Officer
- 3734 – Driving Without Lights
- 3735 – Homicide by Vehicle DUI
- 3736 – Reckless Driving
- 3742 – Accidents Involving Death or Injury
- 3743 – Leaving Scene of an Accident
- 3802 – Driving Under the Influence
- 1533 or 6146 – Failure to Respond to a Citation
- 1538(b) – Failure to Attend Departmental Hearing
- 1543(b) – Driving while Suspended (DUI related)
- 1547 – Refusal to Submit to Chemical Testing
- 1772(b)/1774/1775 – Unsatisfied Judgement (possible exceptions)
- 1786 – Failure to Maintain Financial Responsibility
It is important that you follow the correct procedures to obtain the proper type of limited license depending on the basis of your license suspension. To apply for an Occupational Limited License, you must do the following:
- Complete Form DL-15 – Occupational Limited License Petition located here: http://www.dot.state.pa.us/Public/DVSPubsForms/BDL/BDL%20Form/DL-15-15A.pdf
- Send the fully completed form via certified mail to the address listed on the application along with proof of insurance and the appropriate fee.
- PennDOT will then determine whether or not you are eligible.
- If you qualify, you will receive notification in the mail from PennDOT.
