How long must a person wait to apply for a hardship license after their first DWI in Missouri?

After a person receives a first DWI (Driving While Intoxicated) in Missouri, they must wait for 30 days following the beginning of their suspension period before they can apply for a hardship license. The hardship license is designed to allow individuals who have lost their driving privileges due to a DWI to drive for essential purposes, such as work or medical needs.

This requirement serves as a stipulation to ensure that individuals have sufficiently faced some consequences of their actions before being granted a license that provides them some level of driving privileges again. Therefore, the waiting period reflects both accountability for the offense and the need for the individual to demonstrate responsibility. The choices that suggest shorter waiting times do not align with Missouri law, as they would not provide the necessary period for reflection and responsibility that is intended with the hardship licensing process.