Occupational Driver's License FAQs
A Texas occupational drivers license is a special, restricted, license to drive. This restricted
license to drive is issued to those who've had their Texas license suspended or revoked for certain
offenses.
An occupational driver license authorizes the operation of a non-commercial motor vehicle for
purposes of your occupation, educational, medical, or essential household duties.
If my driver's license is suspended for a DWI, can I get
an Occupational driver's license to drive to work?
In most cases, you can get a Texas ODL (occupational driver's license). It will depend on your
criminal record and Texas driving record. You can almost always get an Occupational Driver�s License
that will allow you to drive to and from work. An ODL will also allow you to drive between locations,
if your job requires you to travel as part of your employment.
What is a restricted interlock license?
A Texas restricted interlock license authorizes a person to operate a Texas motor vehicle
equipped with an ignition interlock device.
What is an Ignition Interlock?
An ignition interlock device is a breath alcohol analyzer connected to the motor vehicle ignition.
In order for the engine to start, a driver must blow a sample of his breath into the alcohol
analyzer. This analyzer measures any alcohol concentration. If the analyzer detects an alcohol
concentration exceeding the startup set point, the engine will not start.
Can a person drive if a ignition interlock is required?
Yes, a person can. After the person applies and pays the required fee, the Texas Department of
Public Safety (DPS) shall issue a special restricted interlock license authorizing the person
to operate a motor vehicle equipped with an ignition interlock device. This restricted Texas license
will not be issued if the driver license is expired, suspended, or if the individual has not paid
the required reinstatement fees.
I was arrested for DWI in Texas. Will my driver's license be suspended
automatically?
No, but if you refused to provide a sample of your breath, blood, or if your breath sample
resulted in an alcohol concentration of .08 or greater, and a hearing is not requested to
fight a Texas DWI suspension, it will be suspended.
Can I drive a commercial motor vehicle with an occupational or restricted
drivers license?
No, not with an ODL. If your Texas drivers license or your privilege to drive is suspended, revoked,
canceled, or denied under any law in Texas, you will not be granted an occupational, restricted or
an �essential needs� license to operate a commercial motor vehicle.
What is an Administrative License Revocation Hearing (ALR)?
The Texas Administrative License Revocation Program, was created to provide an efficient and
fair process for suspending the driver�s licenses of the people who choose to drive on Texas
highways while intoxicated.
An ALJ (Administrative Law Judge ) from SOAH (the State Office of Administrative Hearings) is
assigned to conduct the Texas ALR hearing. He listens to both sides to make rulings on preliminary
matters and makes the final decision in the ALR case.
If the Administrative License Revocation Hearing finds the DPS (Department of Public Safety) has
proved it's case, the Texas ALJ will issue an order which authorizes the suspension of the driver's
license. If the Texas ALJ finds that the DPS has not proved it's case, the drivers license will
not be suspended.
To preserve your right to drive in Texas, you must request an ALR hearing within 15 days of the
date you were served with a Notice of Suspension and fight to keep your Texas license from being
suspended. Requesting this hearing in a timely manner will allow you the ability to continue
driving until the hearing. If you lose at the hearing, you will not be able drive after the hearing.
If your license is suspended at the hearing, you may be able to secure a
Texas occupational
driver's license.
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