STATEHOUSE (April 23, 2021) – State Rep. Wendy McNamara’s (R-Evansville) legislation helping Hoosiers with suspended licenses get back to work is now law.
McNamara said Hoosiers who have their driver’s license suspended will have the opportunity to regain driving privileges by providing proof of future financial responsibility. According to the Indiana Prosecuting Attorneys Council, of the approximately 1.2 million active license suspensions in Indiana, 850,000 of them are due to failing to appear in court, pay the administrative or violation fees associated with a driving infraction, or have insurance. This law allows these individuals to have their suspension lifted by showing proof of insurance to the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles.
“The number one charged misdemeanor in Indiana is driving with a suspended license, and about 80 percent of those drivers are caught up in a pattern, falling behind on their payments because they cannot pay their fines or do not have transportation to appear in court,” McNamara said. “This legislation aims to help Hoosiers get back on track and break this cycle that could be detrimental to their employment, finances and other areas of their life.”
According to McNamara, those with a suspended license can see their driving privileges reinstated after 180 days by showing proof of future financial responsibility.
McNamara worked on this law with Gov. Eric Holcomb to allow the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles to lift individuals’ driving suspension if they can provide evidence of insurance. The law also removes the barrier for nonviolent, formerly incarcerated Hoosiers, to re-enter society more easily by giving the Indiana Department of Correction and the BMV the ability to waive an individual’s license reinstatement fees.
“Before an inmate is released, they must complete a 3-year education and job training program in order to have their driving privileges reinstated,” McNamara said. “This helps individuals jumpstart their transition back to normal life and reduce financial burdens.”
The Traffic Amnesty Program, which was created in 2020, is extended another year under this law. This program helps Hoosiers get back to work and allows the courts to forgive large portions of outstanding traffic fees.
