Last Updated on June 9, 2025 by Beltz Law Group
Regain Your Driving Privileges: Occupational Driver’s Licenses in Garland, Texas
Attorney for an Occupational Driver License in Garland
Discovering your driver’s license is suspended in Garland, Texas, can be a major disruption to your daily life. Whether it’s impacting your ability to get to work, transport children, or perform essential household duties, a suspended license creates significant challenges. Understanding why your license was suspended and how an Occupational Driver’s License (ODL) can be a temporary solution is crucial.
At Beltz Law Group, we specialize in assisting individuals in Garland and surrounding areas with driver’s license suspensions and the complex process of obtaining an ODL. If you have a suspended license in Garland and need to explore your eligibility for an occupational license, call us today at 214-321-4105.
Common Reasons for Driver’s License Suspension in Texas
Driver’s license suspensions in Texas can stem from a variety of issues, often impacting drivers in Garland:
- Excessive Traffic Ticket Convictions (Points System): While the old Driver Responsibility Program surcharges for points were repealed, accumulating too many moving violation convictions can still lead to a suspension. The Texas Transportation Code authorizes the DPS to suspend your license if you have:
- Four or more moving violations within a 12-month period, or
- Seven or more moving violations within a 24-month period. Each moving violation conviction accrues points on your record (two points for a standard moving violation, three points if it resulted in a crash). These points remain on your record for three years.
- Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) Convictions: A conviction for DWI automatically results in a license suspension under the Texas Transportation Code, with suspension periods varying based on the specific offense and prior history.
- Driving While License Invalid (DWLI) Convictions: If you’re caught driving on an already invalid, suspended, or revoked license, and receive a new moving violation conviction, this can lead to further, often extended, suspensions.
- Outstanding Surcharges (from the old DRP): While the DRP was repealed, any unpaid surcharges from convictions prior to September 1, 2019, may still be outstanding and cause a license hold or suspension until paid.
- Failure to Maintain Financial Responsibility (No Insurance): A conviction for driving without valid liability insurance (Texas Transportation Code Section 601.191) results in a mandatory license suspension.
- Failure to Pay Fines/Fees or Appear in Court (OMNI Holds): Outstanding tickets in Garland Municipal Court (or any other Texas court) can result in a “hold” on your driver’s license renewal. This occurs when a court reports your failure to appear or failure to satisfy a judgment to the DPS via the OMNIBase system.
Attorney for Driver License Suspension Hearing in Garland
How to Check Your Driver’s License Status
Knowing the exact reason for your suspension is the first critical step. You can check your license eligibility status directly with the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS). You will need:
- Your Driver’s License Number
- Your Date of Birth
- The Last 4 Digits of Your Social Security Number
Visit the official Texas DPS Driver License Eligibility System at https://texas.gov/licenseeligibility to perform a background check on your license eligibility.
Help with Suspended License Issues: The Occupational Driver’s License Solution
Dealing with a suspended license requires a strategic approach. While some underlying issues can be resolved directly, in many instances, the best immediate solution is to obtain an Occupational Driver’s License (ODL), sometimes referred to as an “Essential Need License.”
An ODL is a special, restricted license issued by a court order that allows you to drive legally during a period of suspension, revocation, or denial of your regular driver’s license. It is strictly limited to driving for:
- Work/Occupation: To and from your place of employment, or as required for job duties.
- School: To and from school, if you are a student.
- Essential Household Duties: Such as grocery shopping, medical appointments, or picking up children.
Garland Ticket Attorney
Key Requirements for an ODL (often including, but not limited to):
- Petition to the Court: You must file a formal petition with the appropriate Justice of the Peace, County, or District Court in Garland (or the county where you reside/offense occurred).
- Certified Driving Record (Type AR): A complete certified copy of your driving record from DPS.
- SR-22 Insurance: This is a certificate of financial responsibility (high-risk auto insurance) that your insurance company files directly with the state.
- Proof of Essential Need: Documentation such as a letter from your employer, school enrollment, or an affidavit explaining household duties.
- Ignition Interlock Device (IID): Often required for alcohol-related suspensions.
- Payment of Fees: Court filing fees and DPS ODL fees.
How Beltz Law Group Can Help You Get Back on the Road Legally:
The process of obtaining an Occupational Driver’s License can be intricate, involving specific legal forms, court procedures, and strict eligibility requirements. Our experienced Garland Occupational License Attorneys are here to guide you through every step:
- Eligibility Assessment: We will meticulously review your driving record and suspension details to determine your eligibility for an ODL and advise you on any applicable waiting periods or disqualifications.
- Document Preparation: Our team will help you gather and complete all necessary paperwork accurately, including the Petition for Occupational Driver’s License, ensuring all critical details are included.
- Court Representation: Our attorneys will represent you in court before the judge, presenting a compelling case to establish your “essential need” to drive and working to secure the most favorable restrictions on your ODL (e.g., maximum allowable driving hours).
- Resolving Underlying Issues: While your ODL allows you to drive during the suspension period, we can also work to resolve the underlying issues that caused your license suspension. This proactive approach ensures that once your occupational license expires, you are in the best possible position to have your full driving privileges reinstated.
Don’t let a suspended license sideline your life. Get the legal assistance you need to navigate the complexities and get back on the road legally.
To have our occupational license lawyers in Garland review your case and explore your options for an ODL, call Beltz Law Group today at 214-321-4105.
Hello I received a letter stating that my license were suspended due to a traffic accident that I had in April 2011. At the time I had insurance, but the ins company cancelled me that week and refused to cover accident. I guess the ither ins company placed a judgement against me, in which I never received any court date information and I was never served any papers of any kind. What or how do I go about taking care of this?