New legislation would stop automatic suspension of drivers licenses for those with low incomes

[TexasTowelie]

Senator Bob Hertzberg introduced a new piece of legislation in Sacramento Thursday that would give a break on drivers license suspensions to those unable to pay fines.

Under California’s current law, drivers will have their licenses automatically suspended if they’re unable to pay fines on small violations, such as parking tickets. But SB 185, introduced Thursday morning, states that one’s economic status shouldn’t determine their access to justice.

In addition, any previously suspended licenses must be reinstated for violators who make a good faith effort to begin payment plans.

According to a report issued last year by the U.S. Federal Reserve, 46 percent of Americans don’t have $400 to pay for an emergency expense; parking tickets can quickly exceed that amount.

Read more: http://www.sfexaminer.com/new-legislation-stop-automatic-suspension-drivers-licenses-low-incomes/

[BlueCaliDem]

1. GOOD! Currently, they suspend DL's for the minutest thing, and that's been gettin worse.

I'm happy to read that Californians chose the right Party to govern our State - a Party that actually CARES about "the lesser among us".

[Merlot]

2. I've always thought that violations should be sliding scale

possibly based on the make and model of the car being driven.

Glad they're doing this. Not having a license in SoCal would make it practically impossible to make a living.