1. Can I still drive after a DUI or OVWI arrest in Indianapolis?
Maybe. An Indianapolis DUI or OVWI arrest does not necessarily mean you will be completely unable to drive. Depending on the type of license suspension and the court handling your case, you may be able to obtain specialized driving privileges. These privileges can allow limited driving for approved purposes. The exact options depend on your suspension, your driving history, and the conditions imposed by the judge.
2. What are specialized driving privileges in Indiana?
Specialized driving privileges can allow an Indiana driver with a suspended license to drive under restrictions imposed by a court. Indiana Code Chapter 9-30-16 governs specialized driving privileges. A driver generally must file a petition explaining the privileges being requested. Depending on the court order, permitted driving might include work, transporting children, medical appointments, church, or other necessary destinations. The court decides the scope of the privileges.
3. Do I need SR22 insurance to get specialized driving privileges in Indiana?
Yes. A driver granted specialized driving privileges generally must maintain an effective SR22 filing with the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles while those privileges remain in effect. SR22 is proof of future financial responsibility filed with the BMV by an insurance provider. Depending on the reason for the suspension, Indiana may also require the driver to maintain SR22 coverage after the underlying suspension ends.
4. Will I need an ignition interlock device after an Indiana DUI?
Possibly. An Indiana court may require an ignition interlock device as a condition of driving after an OVWI-related suspension. The device requires a breath sample before the vehicle can start. Whether ignition interlock is required can depend on the type of suspension, the driver’s history, the stage of the criminal case, and the judge’s order. Two people facing similar DUI charges can therefore receive different driving restrictions.
5. Can I get specialized driving privileges if I refused a chemical test in Indiana?
A chemical-test refusal can make the driver’s-license situation more complicated. Refusing a chemical test can trigger a separate suspension of driving privileges under Indiana’s implied-consent laws. The rules for getting back on the road may differ from those involving other OVWI-related suspensions. Before seeking driving privileges, the specific suspension should be identified because the available relief and possible ignition-interlock requirements can depend on how the license was suspended.
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