Last updated February 2026
Have you been accused of violating a restricted driver’s license in Fort Lauderdale or South Florida? These charges may seem minor — but they can carry serious consequences. The good news is that many of these cases are highly defendable, especially with the help of an experienced criminal defense attorney.
📜 What Is a Restricted Driver’s License?
Under Florida law, the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) can impose specific restrictions on your driving privileges. These restrictions may govern:
When you can drive
Why you can drive
Under what conditions you’re permitted to drive
Violating these restrictions is a second-degree misdemeanor, punishable by:
Up to 60 days in jail
Up to 6 months of probation
Up to $500 in fines
A restricted license violation is different from Driving With a Suspended License (DWLS). In these cases, the driver has limited driving privileges — not a fully suspended license — and the issue is whether the trip fell within an allowed purpose.
🧾 Common Types of Driving Restrictions in Florida
Some restrictions are medical or physical — for example, requiring additional mirrors, corrective lenses, or adaptive equipment.
But most criminal cases stem from purpose-based restrictions, especially:
1️⃣ Business Purposes Only License
Allows driving for activities “necessary to maintain livelihood,” such as:
Driving to and from work
On-the-job driving
School or educational purposes
Medical appointments
Religious services
2️⃣ Employment Purposes Only License
More limited — typically only allows driving:
To and from work
For job-required driving (when driving is part of your occupation)
📚 Reference: Fla. Stat. § 322.27
⚠️ What Happens If You’re Caught Driving Outside the Restrictions?
Most restricted-license violations in Fort Lauderdale arise from traffic stops where an officer believes you were driving for an unapproved purpose.
But here’s the key:
👉 The burden of proof is on the State.
Prosecutors must prove, beyond a reasonable doubt, that your driving did not fit within an allowed purpose under your restriction — something that is often difficult to establish.
Because of this, many of these cases result in:
Dismissals
Suppression of evidence
Judgments of acquittal
Reduced charges
Or successful defenses at trial
🛡️ Defending Restricted License Violations in South Florida
As a former prosecutor, Michael White knows how the State tries to prove these cases — and how to challenge their assumptions.
At Michael White, P.A., we work to:
Investigate the basis for the stop
Challenge whether the officer correctly understood your license restriction
Show that your trip fit within a permitted purpose (business or employment)
Hold the State to its burden of proof
Fight for dismissal or reduction of the charge
📞 Call now for a free consultation: (954) 270-0769
📍 Defending clients across Fort Lauderdale, Broward County, and all of South Florida.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is considered a violation of a restricted driver’s license in Florida?
A violation occurs when you drive in a way that goes beyond the specific conditions or purposes listed on your license — for example, running personal errands on a Business Purposes Only license.
2. What are the penalties for violating a restricted license in Florida?
It’s a second-degree misdemeanor, punishable by up to 60 days in jail, 6 months of probation, and a $500 fine.
3. How can I tell if my Florida license has a restriction?
Your license usually has a code or notation indicating restrictions (e.g., “Business Purposes Only” or “Employment Purposes Only”). You can also confirm with DHSMV or review your court/administrative paperwork.
4. Can the police pull me over just for having a restricted license?
No. Police must have a lawful reason to initiate a stop (such as a traffic violation). They may discover the restriction during the stop and issue a charge based on the reason you were driving.
5. Can I fight a restricted license violation in court?
Yes. These cases are often defendable. The State must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you were driving for an unapproved purpose — which can be difficult depending on the facts.