Many people always ask when they have their driver’s license suspended if they can qualify for the Occupational Limited License (OLL), or more commonly called the bread and butter license since people use it to drive to and from work.
I pulled this fact sheet directly from PennDOT’s website in an effort to answer some common questions.
OCCUPATIONAL LIMITED LICENSE (OLL)June 2013 FACT SHEET
Q: What is an Occupational Limited License?
A: An Occupational Limited License (OLL) is a limited driver’s license issued to a driver whose Pennsylvania driving privilege has been suspended. If your driving privilege has been revoked, disqualified, cancelled or recalled, you are not eligible for an OLL. If you have never been licensed by this or any other state, you are also ineligible to apply. An OLL authorizes driving a designated motor vehicle, under certain conditions, only when it is necessary for the driver’s occupation, work, trade, medical treatment or study.
Q: What types of suspensions are NOT eligible for an OLL?
A: If you are currently, or about to be suspended for any of these violations, you are not eligible for an OLL.
Q: Does a DUI violation qualify for an OLL?
A: A DUI conviction qualifies only if the violation is your first offense and given a one year suspension. However, the OLL cannot be issued until the 60 days have been served for the suspension of the DUI.
Q: Does a DUI violation which results in an 18 month suspension qualify for an OLL?
A: It qualifies only if you have no more than one prior DUI offense within the past ten years, have served 12 months of the 18 month suspension, have satisfied all restoration requirements and have the ignition interlock installed on your vehicle.
Q: Does a refusal to submit to chemical testing qualify for an OLL?
A: It qualifies only if it results in an 18 month suspension, have no more than one prior DUI offense within the past 10 years, have served 12 months of the 18 month suspension, have satisfied all restoration requirements and have the ignition interlock installed on your vehicle.
Q: Does an underage alcohol offense violation qualify for an OLL? A: You qualify only if the violation is your first offense.
Q: Does a driving while under suspension violation qualify for an OLL?
A: If your driving record shows that this suspension occurred only as a result of a prior indefinite suspension due to an unpaid citation or non-payment of a judgement, failure to attend a Departmental hearing or failure to undergo a Special Point Examination, you may be eligible. However, the OLL cannot be issued until three (3) months have been served for the suspension for driving while under suspension.
Q: Can a suspended CDL driver get an OLL?
A: Yes, you would be eligible for a non-commercial OLL only.
Q: What are the first things I must do in order to qualify?
A: If your suspension is in effect, you must surrender your driver’s license if you have not done so already. If your driver’s license has expired, you must submit an application for renewal, along with the appropriate fee. All fines, costs and restoration fees must be paid at the time of petition.
Q: Will I have enough time to apply and receive the OLL prior to my suspension date?
A: If the DL-15 form is received and approved prior to the effective date of your suspension, one of two things will happen:
Q: What is the cost?
A: A fee for applying for an OLL is $50.00 and is non-refundable.
Q: After I apply, what happens next?
A: Within 20 days of receiving your petition, the Department will inform you in writing whether or not you qualify for an OLL. If you qualify, you will receive an OLL camera card to obtain a photo OLL. You are to carry your photo OLL and DL-15A together at all times.
Q: When does my OLL expire?
A: The OLL is valid for the length of your suspension term. After your driving privilege has been restored, the Department will return your valid regular driver’s license.
Q: Can the OLL be extended?
A: Maybe, if you are given a suspension due to the result of a Departmental Hearing or if you were convicted of a point related violation which resulted in an “add on” suspension. The Department will notify you and send you the application to extend your OLL. (DL-31OLL)
Q: What happens if I commit a violation while driving on an OLL or if a violation is placed on your record after receiving the OLL?
A: If you are convicted of an offense for which the penalty is a cancellation, disqualification, recall, suspension, or revocation of your driving privilege, the Department will recall your OLL and you must surrender the OLL to the Department.
Q: Can I apply for any permit after my OLL has been issued to me?
A: No, you may apply for any permit upon restoration of your regular driving privileges.
Q: Can I get another OLL if I am suspended again?
A: You may be issued only one (1) OLL every five (5) years.
Q: Can I take any action in the event that my OLL is recalled or my request is denied?
A: Yes. You may file with the Department a petition for an Administrative Hearing accompanied by a non-refundable processing fee of $100.00. Additional information regarding this filing process will be provided upon request. “Hardship or extraordinary medical circumstances DO NOT qualify you to receive an OLL.”
Q: Where do I write to get further information about an OLL or get a petition (Form DL-15)? A: You may write to the following address:
PA Department of Transportation Bureau of Driver Licensing OLL/PL Unit
P.O. Box 68689
Harrisburg, PA 17106-8689
or visit the Driver Vehicle Services website at http://www.dmv.state.pa.us.
Note: You may submit one check or money order for all required fees made payable to: PennDOT
This Fact Sheet is for information purposes only and not a complete resource, all users of this Fact Sheet are advised to consult the Vehicle Code at Section 1553, 75 Pa. C.S. 1553, relating to Occupational Limited License.