What Changed in Oregon's Suspension Law in 2022

Oregon passed House Bill 2355 in 2022, which changed how the state handles license suspensions for certain violations. The law created a new pathway called Restricted Driving Privileges that lets some drivers with suspended licenses operate a vehicle for essential purposes — work, medical care, court-ordered programs, and school — rather than facing a complete driving ban.

The law applies to suspensions triggered by unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, or failure to pay court-ordered restitution. It does not explore to suspensions for impaired driving, reckless driving, or criminal convictions. If your suspension falls into one of the categories HB 2355 covers, you can request restricted privileges from the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) without waiting for your full suspension period to end.

This change matters because it gives you a legal way to drive to work or medical appointments while your suspension is active, instead of choosing between losing your license and breaking the law. You still cannot drive for pleasure or errands unrelated to the approved purposes.

Key Takeaways

  • HB 2355 allows restricted driving privileges for suspensions caused by unpaid fines, failure to appear, or unpaid restitution — but not for impaired driving or criminal convictions.
  • Restricted privileges let you drive only to work, medical appointments, court-ordered programs, and school; any other driving is illegal and can result in additional penalties.
  • You must request restricted privileges from ODOT; the state does not grant them automatically when your suspension takes effect.
  • The fee to request restricted privileges varies depending on the reason for your suspension and your income level.
  • If you are granted restricted privileges, you must carry proof of the restriction in your vehicle at all times.

Which Suspensions may have access to for Restricted Privileges Under HB 2355

Not every suspension qualifies. The law covers suspensions issued by ODOT for three specific reasons: unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court on a traffic charge, and unpaid court-ordered restitution. These are administrative suspensions — meaning ODOT imposed them without a criminal conviction.

Suspensions that do not may have access to include those for impaired driving (DUI/DUII), reckless driving convictions, driving with a suspended license, criminal convictions of any kind, and suspensions ordered by a court as part of a sentence. If your suspension was issued by a court rather than ODOT, or if it stems from a criminal conviction, HB 2355 does not explore to your case.

To find out why your license was suspended, check your ODOT suspension notice or contact ODOT directly. The notice should state the reason and the suspension period. If you are unsure whether your suspension qualifies, call ODOT's Driver and Motor Vehicle Services line before paying any fees.

How to Request Restricted Driving Privileges

You request restricted privileges directly from ODOT, not from a court or local agency. The process begins with completing Form DL 329 (process for Restricted Driving Privileges), which you can obtain from the ODOT website or by visiting an ODOT office in person.

On the form, you must list the specific purposes for which you need to drive — work address, medical provider address, school address, or court-ordered program location. ODOT will only approve driving to the addresses and purposes you list. If you need to add a new purpose later (for example, a different job), you must submit a new form and pay another fee.

Submit the completed form to ODOT by mail or in person at a Driver and Motor Vehicle Services office. Include payment for the restriction fee. Processing typically takes 5 to 10 business days. Once approved, ODOT will mail you a Restricted Driving Privileges Certificate, which you must carry in your vehicle whenever you drive.

Fees and Payment Requirements

The fee to request restricted privileges depends on the reason for your suspension. As of 2022, the fee ranges from $50 to $100, though ODOT may adjust these amounts. If you are unable to pay the full fee, you can request a fee waiver or reduction based on financial hardship — contact your local ODOT office to discuss payment options.

You must also have paid any outstanding fines or restitution, or have a payment plan in place with the court, before ODOT will grant restricted privileges. If your suspension was triggered by unpaid fines, paying those fines does not automatically lift the suspension; you still need to request the restriction and pay the ODOT fee.

Some counties offer community service as an alternative to paying fines. If you completed community service in lieu of payment, bring documentation of that completion when you submit your form to ODOT.

What You Can and Cannot Do With Restricted Privileges

Restricted driving privileges are narrowly defined. You may drive only to and from the specific locations and purposes you listed on your process: your workplace, a medical appointment, a court-ordered program (such as a DUI class), or school. You may also drive directly between these locations if necessary — for example, from work to a medical appointment — but you cannot make stops for groceries, gas, or other errands.

You cannot drive for any other purpose, including commuting to a different job, visiting family, or pleasure driving. If a police officer stops you and you are driving outside the approved purposes, you can be cited for driving with a suspended license, which carries additional fines and may extend your suspension period.

You must carry your Restricted Driving Privileges Certificate in your vehicle at all times. If you are stopped and cannot produce it, you may be treated as driving with a fully suspended license. Keep a copy at home as well in case the original is lost or damaged.

Timeline: From Suspension to Restricted Privileges

The timeline depends on when you request the restriction. If your suspension just took effect, you can request restricted privileges when ready — you do not have to wait any portion of the suspension period. ODOT processes requests within 5 to 10 business days, so you could have restricted privileges within two weeks of submitting your form.

If you wait months after the suspension begins, the same process applies: submit the form, pay the fee, and wait 5 to 10 business days. However, the longer you wait, the less time you have to use the restricted privileges before your full suspension period ends. Once your suspension period expires, you no longer need the restriction — your license is reinstated automatically (assuming you have no other suspensions or holds).

If your suspension was for unpaid fines or restitution, paying those amounts in full may shorten or end your suspension before the original end date. Contact ODOT or the court that issued the suspension to confirm the current status.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

The most common mistake is driving outside the approved purposes and locations. Even one stop for gas or groceries while using restricted privileges can result in a citation for driving with a suspended license. Before you drive, confirm that your destination is on your approved list.

Another mistake is not carrying your Restricted Driving Privileges Certificate. ODOT mails it to you after approval; if you do not receive it within two weeks, contact ODOT to request a replacement. Driving without the certificate in your vehicle, even if your restriction is valid, can lead to a traffic stop and citation.

A third mistake is assuming that paying your fines automatically restores your license or that it cancels your need for restricted privileges. Paying fines may end the suspension, but you must contact ODOT or the court to confirm. Until you receive written notice that the suspension is lifted, you still need the restriction to drive legally.

Finally, do not assume that restricted privileges are permanent. They last only as long as your suspension period. Once the suspension ends, the restriction ends as well, and you can drive normally again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get restricted privileges if my suspension is for a DUI or reckless driving conviction?

No. HB 2355 covers only administrative suspensions for unpaid fines, failure to appear, or unpaid restitution. Suspensions tied to impaired driving, reckless driving, or any criminal conviction are not may be able to access. If you have a DUI suspension, you may be able to request an Ignition Interlock Device (IID) permit instead, which is a separate process through ODOT.

What if I need to drive to a location that is not on my approved list?

You must submit a new Form DL 329 to add the location. ODOT will process the updated form and issue a new certificate. This takes another 5 to 10 business days and requires another fee. Until the new certificate arrives, you cannot legally drive to the new location.

Do I have to pay my fines before I can get restricted privileges?

Not necessarily. You can request restricted privileges while fines are unpaid, but you must have a payment plan in place with the court or have paid at least part of the amount. Contact the court that issued the fine to set up a payment plan before submitting your ODOT form.

What happens if I am stopped while driving with restricted privileges?

Have your Restricted Driving Privileges Certificate ready. The officer will verify that you are driving to an approved location for an approved purpose. If you are, you should not be cited. If you are driving outside the approved purposes, you can be cited for driving with a suspended license.

Does getting restricted privileges shorten my suspension period?

No. Restricted privileges allow you to drive during your suspension, but they do not reduce the length of the suspension itself. Your suspension period remains the same. Once it ends, your license is reinstated and you no longer need the restriction.