Bill Description: House Bill 791 would require suspending the driver’s licenses and permits of drivers who are at least 30 days late paying a traffic fine.

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NOTE: The practice of suspending driver’s licenses for late payment of traffic infraction fines was ended in Idaho in 2018 as part of House Bill 599 (+3). 

Does it directly or indirectly create or increase penalties for victimless crimes or non-restorative penalties for non-violent crimes? Conversely, does it eliminate or decrease penalties for victimless crimes or non-restorative penalties for non-violent crimes?

House Bill 791 would create Section 49-1505, Idaho Code, and amend Section 49-328, Idaho Code, to require the suspension of driver’s licenses, permits, and operating privileges of any driver who has unpaid fines for traffic infractions that are 30 days or more delinquent. This is a notably short period of delinquency to trigger a significant penalty.

As noted in the analysis of House Bill 599 (2018), which ended this practice, suspending a driver’s license can limit an individual’s ability to work and earn the money required to pay outstanding fines and penalties, creating a spiral that is difficult to escape. 

Driving with a suspended license carries the risk of additional fines and even criminal penalties. 

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