A driver declared a “Habitual Traffic Offender” suffers the loss of his driving privilege for at least five years. No hardship driving privilege exists for the first twelve months of such a revocation. However, at the end of the twelve-month period, you may apply for partial restoration of your driving privilege. If you meet certain criteria, a hearing may be held to determine whether you can get a driver’s license restricted to business or employment purposes.

To be declared a habitual traffic offender you must have three or more convictions of any one of the following offenses during a five year period: voluntary or involuntary manslaughter; driving under the influence of alcohol or controlled substances; any felony in the commission of which a motor vehicle is used; driving while license suspended or revoked.

There are other conditions under which you may be designated a habitual offender, including fifteen convictions of moving traffic offenses for which points are assessed over a five year period. To determine whether or not pleading guilty or being found guilty of a traffic charge will result in your license being revoked, you should consult with an attorney who regularly handles DUI and traffic law. Driving after having been declared a Habitual Traffic Offender is a felony and punishable by up to five years in prison