The Pennsylvania Vehicle Code (VC) allows for a motorist with a suspended license to apply for a couple of different restricted or conditional licenses, depending upon their situation.

A probationary license is one type of such license. According to section 1554 of the PA V.C. it can be issued to a driver whose Pennsylvania driving privilege has been suspended or revoked due to being a habitual offender or whose operating privilege has been suspended or revoked for 5 or years or more.

A probationary license authorizes the individual to drive between 6:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. Additional hours could be considered by the Department of Transportation upon request.

An occupational limited license, mentioned in section 1553 of the V.C., may be issued to an individual whose operating privileges have been suspended. To obtain this type of license, a petition must by filed that listed the reasons the person needs to operate a motor vehicle.

The petition for an occupational limited license should include an explanation as to why the operation of the car is essential to the petitioner's occupation, work, trade or study. The individual should also include proof of financial responsibility covering all vehicles in which the person is requesting to operate with this license.

If an occupational limited license is issued the driver should observe restrictions placed on him or her. Restrictions can include the driver only operating a designated vehicle between their residence and place or employment or study. If the conditions of the license are violated, the person shall be fined $200 and have their limited license recalled.

So depending upon the reason and length of time your PA license is suspended you might be able to acquire one of these conditional licenses. Contact PennDOT to find out more information or apply for a limited license.