Sec. 1. 29-A MRSA §2501-A is enacted to read:

§2501-A.__Restricted license for multiple OUI offender

1.__Eligibility.__Unless otherwise provided by law, the Secretary of State may issue a restricted license to a person with more than one OUI conviction if:

A.__Two thirds of the suspension period has expired; and

B.__The Secretary of State has received notice that that person has completed the alcohol and drug program.

2.__Restrictions.__A restricted license issued pursuant to subsection 1 is subject to the following conditions and restrictions:

A.__Use is limited to traveling to a treatment program or to employment for a minimum of 18 months after the original suspension date; and

B.__Any other conditions or restrictions the Secretary of State considers advisable for the safety of the public and the welfare of the operator.

SUMMARY

This bill gives the Secretary of State discretion to issue a restricted license to a person whose license is suspended for a 2nd or subsequent OUI offense. The restricted license is not available until the person has completed at least 2/3 of the suspension period and has completed the alcohol and drug program. The restrictions must include that the license may be used only to travel between home and employment or a treatment program for a minimum of 18 months, the period of time of the suspension period for 2nd OUI offenses, from the original suspension date. The Secretary of State may also impose any other restrictions that are advisable for the safety of the public or welfare of the operator.