I’m a bit uncertain about this one.
Driving without a valid license could result in a vehicle being impounded under a Republican proposal aimed at reducing drunken driving, but which critics say will disproportionately harm poor people.
Rep. Joe Sanfelippo, R-West Allis, circulated a bill Tuesday that would require a police officer making an arrest or issuing a citation for driving without a license or with a revoked or suspended license, to immediately impound the vehicle. The bill includes an exception for motorists whose licenses expired within the previous six months and haven’t previously been cited for driving without a license.
Under the bill, a court could extend the length of time a vehicle is impounded after which the driver would have to pay any fines and impoundment fees. If the vehicle isn’t claimed within 30 days of the release date, it could be disposed of or sold. The vehicle would be released immediately to its owner if the driver didn’t own the vehicle, or if the driver is found not guilty of the offense.
The police already impound too much private property for questionable reasons. It puts the burden of proof on the accused to get their property back before a conviction. Everyone is still entitled to their day in court.
Also, in this case, it leaves open the potential for innocent people to have their cars impounded if they let someone without a license drive their car. Granted, people shouldn’t do that, but would you check your friend’s license before loaning them a car?
I would rather leave the punishment for after conviction. Perhaps confiscate a person’s car if that person is cited multiple times for driving without a license. If they don’t have a car, then jail them (or both)
This proposal is off base.
A better one is: let’s crush the car on 3rd drunk driving conviction.
I don’t believe my eyes: Both kevin and Owen came out against a republican proposal. Great work, guys.
Baldy,
Thanks.
I can’t wait for your good work of ripping Democrat proposals, which provide numerous, almost unlimited, opportunities.
kevin:
And what do you propose? Or is this just another nonsensical comment from the back room at dq?
It’s far more than just “would you check your friend’s license before loaning them a car?”
How would the average person examine a license to insure it wasn’t suspended or revoked?
John,
Solution: do not enable a drunken friend by giving them a car.
Kevin, Rep. Sanfelippo framed the issue in terms of drunk driving, but the proposed law doesn’t mention that, right?
Again, how does the average person determine if their friend’s license is suspended or revoked?
John,
There would be a cost under this bill for your poor judgment on friends.
You could always sue your friend for losing your property.
Be serious. Am I wrong? Is there a way that a member of the public can easily use to determine if someone’s license is suspended or revoked?
John,
I don’t support the bill. There is no easy way to determine what you ask.
Don’t lend your car to bad friends. Basic common sense.