Losing the legal right to drive in Indiana can be a major problem, creating schedule disruptions, limiting the ability to work, and even preventing quality time with children and loved ones. Fortunately, one of the remedies offered under Indiana law is the Specialized Driving Privilege (SDP), outlined under Ind. Code § 9-30-16. The Specialized Driving Privilege is a temporary and limited order from a court, providing the grantee with the ability to drive to specified locations, at certain times.
However, one question that is sometimes asked by those seeking an SDP is whether it is only available to residents with an Indiana driver’s license, and whether the possession of an out-of-state license makes one ineligible.
Indiana courts may grant specialized driving privileges (SDPs) to Indiana residents even if their driver’s license was issued by another state (e.g., Illinois). The key is that SDPs modify a person’s “driving privileges” within Indiana, not the issuance of a driver’s license itself. Indiana’s SDP statute authorizes courts to tailor limited driving authority after a suspension of Indiana driving privileges, and nothing in the statute conditions eligibility on holding an Indiana-issued license. Appellate decisions likewise emphasize the distinction between a license (the card) and driving privileges (the legal ability to operate in Indiana), confirming the court’s authority to grant SDPs irrespective of the state of licensure. See Ind. Bureau of Motor Vehicles v. Craig, 245 N.E.3d 162 (Ind. App. 2024)).
Bottom line: An Indiana resident with an out-of-state license may petition for and, if otherwise eligible, obtain an SDP that allows limited driving within Indiana under court-defined conditions. The SDP affects only Indiana driving privileges; it does not grant or reinstate any license in another state.
If you need to obtain an SDP permit, contact our office at (317) 514-2681 to speak with an experienced attorney about your situation.
Disclaimer:
This blog post is intended for general informational purposes only and reflects the laws and legal procedures of the State of Indiana. It does not constitute legal advice, nor does it create an attorney-client relationship. For legal advice specific to your situation, please contact a qualified attorney.
