In appropriate cases involving underage possession of alcohol or any drug violation, the defendant may petition the Court for a restricted driver's license pursuant to the Code of Virginia, §18.2-259.1(c). This may be done at the time of conviction, or at a later date by motion.

Any motions must be filed with the Criminal Clerk's Office (Room 204) no later than 8:30 AM in order to be heard on that day's 9:30 AM docket. Any motion filed after 8:30 AM will be heard on the next day court is in session unless specified otherwise.

Prior to issuance of a restricted driver's license, the defendant must surrender a valid Virginia driver's license or permit. Out-of-state licenses are not surrendered. If fines/costs are still owed, 10% of the remaining balance must be paid before a Restricted Driver's License can be issued. A copy of the defendant's driving record and a compliance summary, both obtained from DMV no more than seven days prior to the motion date, must be provided to the judge in the courtroom for any motion filed after the conviction date.

An Application for a Restricted Driver's License (Form DC-263) must be prepared in advance and submitted when the motion is filed for consideration in the courtroom by the presiding judge. This form may be obtained at the Clerk's Office and is also available on the Supreme Court's website here as a PDF. On the Application, the petitioner must provide the Court with the specific purpose for the hours requested on the restricted license.  Also, the form must include the name and address of any employer, school, daycare, or medical provider.

Once a Restricted Driver's License is issued by the court, the driver must go to DMV between 30 and 60 days from the date of issuance to obtain an official (plastic) DMV-issued Restricted Driver's License. The driver must continue to carry the Court-issued (paper) version because it lists the specific restrictions and will be required during any future traffic stops.

Cases in the City of Fairfax

For cases in the City of Fairfax, the Application and motion for a restricted driver's license must be filed with the Fairfax City Clerk's Office no later than 9:00 AM in order to be heard on that day's 9:30 AM Tuesday or Thursday docket.  See Contacts for more information about the Fairfax City courthouse.

Cases in the Town of Herndon or Vienna

For Criminal cases in the Town of Herndon or the Town of Vienna, the Application and motion should be filed with the Criminal Clerk's Office, Room 204, in the Fairfax County Courthouse.  These motions will be heard by the original sentencing judge either at the town court or at the Fairfax Couty Courthouse.

Amendment to an Existing Restricted Driver's License

A motion to amend the conditions of a restricted driver's license, including address changes, must be filed with the Criminal Clerk's Office or the Fairfax City Court as noted above.  Such motions may be heard by the sentencing judge or another available judge.

A copy of the defendant's driving record and a compliance summary, obtained from the DMV no more than seven days prior to the motion date, must be provided to the judge in the courtroom.

Also, a new Application for Restricted License (Form DC-263) must be completed and submitted at the time the motion is filed. This form may be obtained at the Clerk's Office and is also available on the Supreme Court's website here as a PDF.

If the motion to amend is granted, the defendant must surrender the previous Restricted Driver's License at the Clerk's Office before a new one will be issued.