A Cinderella license is exactly the same thing as a Hardship License, which is also referred to as a work license or a 7 to 7 license. It’s a 12-hour license issued to someone who has had his or her driver’s license suspended or revoked by the Registry of Motor Vehicles.
Although the primary purpose of this type of license is to allow the driver to get to and from work, there are absolutely no limitations on where a person can drive with a Cinderella license. The only limitation is that the license is valid only for 12 hours each day, with the hours dictated by the holder’s work schedule.
Cinderella licenses are valid 7 days per week, so you can drive on weekends as well as weekdays.
If you are caught driving outside of the 12-hour restriction, you can be arrested and the Registry can rescind the hardship license.
The requirements to obtain a Cinderella license differ, depending on the suspension reason. Sometimes these licenses can be obtained directly from the Registry of Motor Vehicles and sometimes the applicant must go before the Division of Insurance Board of Appeal.
The Registry has waiting periods for Cinderella licenses, so that the customer must serve some of the suspension time prior to being considered for such a license. In some cases, it may be possible to get a license prior to the expiration of the required waiting period by going before the Board of Appeal. The Board is not bound by the Registry’s strict requirements.
The Registry’s website is a good source of information regarding Cinderella licenses. Also, if you are facing a DUI charge, you should discuss the prospect of getting a Cinderella license with your lawyer prior to making any plea bargain. You should have a clear understanding of hardship license eligibility and waiting periods before deciding whether or not to make a deal or take the case to trial.