The suspension of driving privileges has long been a method to address poor driving behavior and research has proven if can be effective in reducing traffic crashes. Driving suspension practices have also been used for compliance with non-highway safety obligations such as failing to pay fines and school truancy. These non-highway safety suspensions result in hindering citizens from taking care of work and family responsibilities and consume significant law enforcement, court, and motor vehicle agency resources. Drivers suspended for highway safety-related reasons are almost three times more likely to be involved in a crash than drivers suspended for non-highway safety related reasons.
AAMVA members are responsible for managing driver suspension programs and for the enforcement of highway safety laws. Providing alternatives to suspensions, in particular with younger drivers, is important to enhance highway safety and to provide the most efficient use of highway safety resources.
In November 2018, AAMVA published Reducing Suspended Drivers and Alternative Reinstatement Best Practices. This best practice document provides an overview of driving suspensions and discusses the negative impact of suspensions for non-driving violations. It also offers alternative license reinstatement practices to facilitate individuals obtaining driving privileges more quickly, thereby allowing them to support their family and contribute to the economy. AAMVA partnered with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the U.S. Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, and the National Safety Council in the development of this best practice.
AAMVA's Driver License Suspension Policy Position recommends repealing current jurisdiction laws and discourages passing additional jurisdiction laws that suspend driving privileges for non-driving reasons. This allows resources to focus on sanctioning individuals who are disqualified from driving for highway safety reasons.
Highlighted resources:
AAMVA members are responsible for managing driver suspension programs and for the enforcement of highway safety laws. Providing alternatives to suspensions, in particular with younger drivers, is important to enhance highway safety and to provide the most efficient use of highway safety resources.
In November 2018, AAMVA published Reducing Suspended Drivers and Alternative Reinstatement Best Practices. This best practice document provides an overview of driving suspensions and discusses the negative impact of suspensions for non-driving violations. It also offers alternative license reinstatement practices to facilitate individuals obtaining driving privileges more quickly, thereby allowing them to support their family and contribute to the economy. AAMVA partnered with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the U.S. Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, and the National Safety Council in the development of this best practice.
AAMVA's Driver License Suspension Policy Position recommends repealing current jurisdiction laws and discourages passing additional jurisdiction laws that suspend driving privileges for non-driving reasons. This allows resources to focus on sanctioning individuals who are disqualified from driving for highway safety reasons.
Highlighted resources:
- Reducing Suspended Drivers and Alternative Reinstatement Best Practices (May 2021)
- Driver License Suspension Policy Position
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