Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles Violation Policy

The Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) has the authority to suspend or revoke a driver's license or learner's permit. It can also revoke or suspend a vehicle's registration. A license or permit might be suspended or revoked due to violations involving a motor vehicle, and suspensions vary in length depending on the statutory requirements that govern that specific violation.

Obtaining a hardship license could allow some Massachusetts drivers back on the road after a suspension or revocation

The Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles is hurrying to find a solution for a miscommunication in their system that did not record out-of-state violations that Massachusetts' drivers received.

If you have just found out that you fall into this category and are a Massachusetts driver that has had a license revoked or suspended when committing a traffic violation out-of-state, you may be able to earn the right to drive during a specified period of time every day. By filing for what is referred to as a hardship license you are allowed to drive for twelve hours every day, depending on your particular work or study situation.

How do you get a hardship license?

To get a hardship license you will need to prove to the state board that you do not represent a danger to yourself or to others when you are sitting behind the wheel of an automobile. You will also need to prove to the court that you have a legitimate reason for needing to drive. It may be because you have a family to support and need to get to work, because you or a loved one requires ongoing medical treatment and you need to get to a medical facility or because you are in school and need to go forward with your education.

What does the Massachusetts RMV consider a "hardship"?

Hardships refer to actions or lack thereof that could bring you negative consequences. These could be losing a job, getting kicked out of school or a training program or being unable to get medical treatment.

Who can qualify to get a hardship license in MA?

Several factors play a role, including:

• The specific charge or violation for which you lost your license

• Your age (if you are under 21)

• Your driving history - how many other violations have you been charged with and their types

• Whether you have a criminal record

• If you have any outstanding citations or payments

• The facts of the day of the incident

• What the police report has to say

Some violations such as DUI or DWI may not qualify you for a hardship license in Massachusetts. And even if you do qualify, you will need to put together a series of documents that support your case of hardship. Don't risk your chances of getting a hardship license by going it on your own.

Brian Simoneau is an experienced Massachusetts hardship license lawyer who can help you prepare the necessary paperwork and represent you during your hearing at the Registry of Motor Vehicles. Don't waste time only to discover that you lack the required documents or that what you brought is insufficient, and don't risk your livelihood, your education or your health by being unable to drive. A second hearing will reduce your chances of getting a hardship license even more.