Restricted License

[sayittn]

I'm sure that the judge will be willing to work with you on the transportation issue if it's medical related and/or simple things like food. Most of those with a restricted DL in TN are also required to have a form that outlines where they can and can't be. That way if I or my counterparts stop you and you're not near one of the listed places, we arrest. If you retained an attorney for the DUI and feel his services were adequate, then let him check on the restrictions and if the medical-related locations can be added. You need to be speaking with attorneys who deal with this every day at the courts.

You can go to and from work, school - if enrolled, an alcohol program, or a scheduled interlock appt.
The form for a hardship license has a place for adding places, such as grocery, doctors office, but the restricted license is different.

I know I'm asking alot, but is it something you would be willing to check on? I sent e-mails out this evening to TN senators and contacts I found on the DMV page. I'm very serious about doing what I can to get this changed if it really is as cut and dry as I've been told. I'm sure I'm not the only single parent with a sick child. If I can help someone else while helping myself I'm all for it.

[scott715us]

The law is cut and dry under TN Code Annotated 55-10-403. That statute outlines the specific places you can drive to under a restricted license from a DUI conviction. After doing a little more research, those that carry the paper with them outlining where they can (and can't) go have had their license restricted for other reasons aside from a DUI conviction (excessive traffic tickets, etc). I cannot be certain, but I would ask an attorney about whether a judge can amend the restricted penalty (when convicted of DUI) to include driving somewhere involving a health-care related issue. Since the places you can drive are outlined by law, it may not be possible, but it doesn't hurt to ask. An attorney with the District Attorney's office in your county will be able to tell you for sure. I would rely on an ADA (Asst. District Attorney) about the certainty before I would a defense attorney. If there is no possibility because it's outlined by state law and the judge cannot change statutory law, then you will have to find another way to get your son where he needs to go.

[sayittn]

Hi scott715us,
You may already know this but the DUI laws in TN are changing in Jan 2011. After this date, someone should be able to get an Ignition Interlock Breathalyzer installed and won't be limited to the places they can drive. This solves all of the above mentioned.
Thanks for taking the time to look into this further, I sincerely appreciate it.
Take care.