Has Your Driver’s License Been Revoked or Suspended?

You may be able to obtain a “Cinderella” or 12-hour hardship license through the “Board of Appeals”, an arm of the Registry of Motor Vehicles which can change or modify decisions of the Registry of Motor Vehicles. The Board, however, only has jurisdiction as long as the basis of the suspension has not originated from a reported suspension by another state.

Since the creation of the National Driver Register, all states report suspension to this entity. Under the law, the home state must honor suspensions from the foreign state.

The Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles is mandated to suspend a person’s driver’s license until such time as their “right to operate” is reinstated in the foreign state.

For example, if your right to operate has been suspended in Connecticut and you hold a Massachusetts license, Massachusetts will suspend your license until such time as your “right to operate” has been reinstated in Connecticut. Since Connecticut is right next door, it would be easy to clear up the Connecticut matter to the satisfaction of the Board. What happens if the foreign state is Pennsylvania or Georgia, for example? It could be insurmountable.

When you have done all that is required in the foreign state, make sure all paperwork is certified, and make sure your privilege to operate has been formally restored. Since Massachusetts will require proof of reinstatement by you, make sure that you obtain a copy of the driving history in the foreign state as well.

A hardship license will be granted generally for work but may also apply to a student going to school full time. Any documents presented to the Registry must be within thirty (30) days of your hearing. Additionally, a letter from your employer, on letterhead, must state the applicant’s need for a hardship license and your hours of work. (Remember this is a 12 hour license that may be given and the hours must start on the hour not on the half hour.) The applicant will also have to show that there is no public transportation which could be a substitute.