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 2 or fewer OUI convictions if:

A.__Two-thirds of the suspension period ordered by the court has passed; and

B.__The Secretary of State has received notice that the person:

(1)__Has committed no motor vehicle offenses since the imposition of the suspension;

(2)__Has completed an alcohol and drug program as defined in section 2401, subsection 1; and

(3)__For the most recent OUI violation:

(a)__Had not refused the chemical testing required by section 2521; and

(b)__Pled guilty to the charge of OUI.

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 and from a treatment program or to employment for the remaining term of the original suspension; 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 who has been convicted of criminally operating under the influence 2 or fewer times. The restricted license is not available until 2/3 of the suspension period has passed and the Secretary of State has received notice that the person has committed no motor vehicle offenses since the