If your license has been suspended you may feel as though you’re in a serious dilemma. How are you going to get to work? How are you going to get to the grocery store? To get around in general? At first, losing your ability to drive can seem extremely overwhelming, but there are actually many options available to help you get to work.
If you find that public transportation, Uber, etc. aren’t working well enough for you, you may want to consider obtaining a restricted license. A restricted license will allow you to drive to a number of authorized locations which can include your job. However, obtaining a restricted license can be challenging as you need to petition the court and justify your need for one. It’s a great idea to hire a Traffic Defense Attorney to help with obtaining a restricted license for work.
Public Transportation
Public transportation can be a great way to get around if you utilize it properly. Buses, trains, and the metro if you’re in the DC area, are all available to help you get around. When some people think of public transportation they think of a long commute filled with a lot of other people. While this can be the case, you can minimize this by taking the time to plan out the right route that’s the fastest and easiest for you. It’s always a good idea to allow some extra travel time in case complications arise. The extra time will act as a safety cushion if your regular routine is delayed. If it’s included every day it will become apart of your normal routine and have the added benefit of getting to work early.
You should try to become extremely comfortable with your route. Knowing exactly when the latest you can leave is will allow you peace of mind that you’ll get to work on time. If you know you need to make the 7:20 bus or you’ll be late for work, you should make sure you’re giving yourself ample time in the morning to reach your bus stop. If your area has a public transportation app it’s a good idea to download it so you can keep up to date with any delays. In the event of a delay, you should be aware of alternate routes so that you can still get to work on time. Even having other alternatives outside public transportation at the ready will help ensure that you’re always able to get to work.
Use Uber or Lyft
Uber and Lyft have become super popular in recent years and are a convenient way to get around. They are an app-based ride service that allows for you to request a ride and pay for it through the app with a credit card. They provide estimates for how long it’ll take for your ride to pick you up and what you’re predicted arrival time is. This will help you determine when the right time to request a car is so you can plan your morning accordingly. However, while these rides can be a convenient and comfortable option, there’s no way to know how many rides are available and if there’s a large number of people requesting rides at the same time as you. This could potentially lead to a longer wait time for a ride.
Carpool
Carpooling is probably one of the easiest options if you’re worried about how to get to work. Riding with a co-worker who lives near you is an easy way to get to work, and not to mention it’ll save gas. Carpooling will also give you the option of driving in HOV lanes if you have them during your commute, which could help you save some time. This option requires someone living near you and having the same schedule as you, which can be hard to find. Don’t worry if carpooling doesn’t work out for you, there are plenty of other options to get you to work.
Have A Family Member Drive You
Probably the cheapest option is to have an available family member, or friend, give you a ride. This option will include familiarity and comfort that wouldn’t be available with a Lyft or Uber. The problem with this option is someone else’s schedule has to be open and work with your work hours.
Walk Or Ride A Bike
Depending on where you work, you may be able to get there just by walking or riding a bike. This is a super cheap option that gets you outside in the fresh air and gives you the added benefit of a little exercise. This can be great in the spring and summer, but you may want to arrange a different way to get to work in the colder months.
Get A Restricted License
A restricted license is granted to those who need to be able to drive to work. This can be a great option for you, but you have to remember a restricted license only allows you to drive to authorized destinations. These locations can include school, work, health care centers, and your child’s school or daycare.
If your suspension is the result of a DUI, reckless and aggressive driving, or drug convictions you are eligible to obtain a restricted license. Obtaining a restricted license requires you to petition the court. You’ll need to provide proof that your need for a restricted license is justified; this can include a letter from your doctor, school, or employer or a court order.
You are only eligible for a restricted license if it was your first probation violation, or it’s your second violation but there’s been an 18-month control period before your probation. These can be complicated to obtain and it can be hard to determine what justifiable proof is. Hire a traffic defense attorney who is well versed in traffic laws and can assist you in the process of obtaining a restricted license.
