If you’re staring down a license suspension in Indiana, you’re probably asking the obvious question: How am I supposed to get to work? Whether it’s from a pending DUI or too many tickets piling up with the BMV, a suspended license doesn’t just affect your driving record, it disrupts your entire life. Fortunately, Indiana law offers a lifeline: specialized driving privileges.
At the Marc Lopez Law Firm, we handle these cases every day. We’ve helped hundreds of clients stay on the road by tailoring solutions that fit real-life work schedules, not just nine-to-five permissions.
What Are Specialized Driving Privileges?
Specialized driving privileges (SDPs) allow you to drive legally for essential reasons while your license is suspended. Think of it as a conditional license. You can’t drive anywhere, but you can drive where you need to.
According to Ind. Code § 9-30-16-3.5, any specialized driving privilege:
- Must be granted by a judge;
- Can be tailored for work and life necessities;
- And may include restrictions on routes, destinations, and hours.
SDPs are not automatic. You have to apply through the court, and the judge has final discretion over whether to grant them.
This statute gives courts flexibility to help drivers stay functional during a suspension, while still prioritizing public safety. For many people, it’s the only realistic path to keeping their job and maintaining their responsibilities.
“But I Don’t Work a 9-to-5. How Does That Work?”
Here’s the problem: Most SDP orders come with fixed travel windows and fixed destinations. “You can drive from home to work between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m,” for example. This works great if you’re clocking in and out at the same office every day, but what if you’re a construction worker? A project manager? A home healthcare provider who hits multiple locations daily?
This is where having an experienced criminal defense attorney pays off. We’ve helped clients in exactly these positions. If you’ve got an irregular or rotating work schedule, we know how to build an SDP request that makes sense to both the court and law enforcement.
Building a Flexible Driving Order That Protects You
Judges don’t want vague driving orders. Police officers don’t want guesswork. If you’re pulled over, they need to verify immediately that you’re where you’re supposed to be. That’s why we structure orders with the following built in:
- A requirement to carry a current schedule, either digitally or on paper;
- Defined work routes or job locations tied to documentation (e.g., job orders, invoices, site assignments);
- Flexibility to adjust based on employer-provided updates.
Ind. Code § 9-30-16-3.5(d) requires drivers to:
- Maintain proof of financial responsibility (SR22 insurance);
- Carry a copy of the court order granting SDP;
- Provide that order to any law enforcement officer upon request; and
- Hold a validly issued driver’s license.
Filing for Specialized Driving Privileges: What the Law Requires
Under Ind. Code § 9-30-16-3.5(f), if you want to request SDPs, you must:
- File a verified petition;
- Include your age, date of birth, and address;
- Explain why you’re requesting relief;
- File in the same court that issued your suspension; and
- Serve the petition on both the BMV and the prosecuting attorney.
The law also makes clear that the prosecutor has a right to respond on behalf of the Bureau of Motor Vehicles. That’s why it helps to have an experienced criminal defense attorney guiding the process. We know what objections to expect and how to overcome them.
When Specialized Driving Privileges Expire
According to Ind. Code § 9-30-16-3.5(g), your SDP ends automatically when your underlying suspension is lifted. That could be because your case was dismissed, reversed, or the offense was otherwise resolved. Once the suspension is over, you’re back to full driving privileges—and the conditional license is no longer necessary.
The court must notify the BMV about this change, as required under subsection (h), so that your record reflects the updated status.
What to Do if You’re Pulled Over with an SDP
Here’s what to keep in your vehicle:
- Court Order – Signed by the judge.
- Proof of Purpose – Work schedule, site assignment, job invoice, or an email from your employer.
- SR22 Insurance – Documentation that proves you’re maintaining coverage.
When a police officer can see that you’re dressed for work, heading to a jobsite, and carrying a valid order and documentation, that traffic stop ends fast. You don’t want to leave room for doubt. Because if an officer thinks you’re outside your order, you’re risking:
- Driving While Suspended charges;
- Operating Outside SDP Restrictions (also a criminal offense); and
- Habitual traffic violator enhancements if applicable.
The penalties stack up quickly.
Judges Need Clarity, Not Confusion
One of the most overlooked pieces of the SDP puzzle is the judge. It’s their call whether or not to approve your request. If the order you’re asking for is too vague or too open-ended, there’s a good chance it won’t be granted.
That’s why we make it as simple and foolproof as possible. We submit documentation, help you prepare testimony, and present your work reality in a way the court can understand and support.
Specialized Driving Privileges Aren’t Just for DUIs
Most people think of SDPs in the context of drunk driving. And yes, if you’ve been charged with an OWI or DUI, you’ll almost certainly face some kind of suspension. But SDPs also apply in plenty of other situations, including:
- Habitual Traffic Violator (HTV) suspensions
- Point-based BMV suspensions
- Failure to provide proof of insurance
- Driving while suspended convictions
Bottom line? If your license is suspended in Indiana, you might qualify for specialized driving privileges.
What Happens If You Violate an SDP?
Driving outside the terms of your court order is a crime. Let’s say your order allows you to drive to and from work, but you’re pulled over at a movie theater, and your schedule doesn’t line up. You could be charged with:
- Driving While Suspended
- Operating Outside SDP Scope
- Habitual Offender Enhancements (if applicable)
You don’t want to roll those dice. That’s why we focus on preventative strategy by creating orders that are practical and defendable.
The Marc Lopez Law Firm Can Help
Whether your license is suspended for two months or ten years, we’re here to get you back on the road. Our team understands the realities of Indiana’s legal system, and we know how to talk to judges in a way that gets results.
We’ll take the time to understand:
- Your job and work habits
- Your family responsibilities
- Your transportation needs
Then we’ll build a plan that works. It’s not about loopholes. It’s about legally protecting your right to live your life.
Call Now, Don’t Wait
License issues don’t fix themselves. And driving without a license can turn a manageable problem into a criminal record.
If you’re facing a suspension or you’ve already lost your license, call us. The sooner we get started, the sooner you can get back on the road without looking over your shoulder.
And remember: always plead the 5th.