Impounding License Plates for Driving Offenses (S 214)

Consistent and ready access to a motor vehicle is necessary to go to work, to school, to the doctor, or to engage in a multitude of other critical and important tasks. Because of this, we strongly opposed legislation which would "impound" or confiscate the license plate of a car if the driver's license of the motorist had been suspended, revoked, or cancelled for a variety of offenses. We argued that this proposal is overly punitive and could have damaging effects on both the individual and those who depend on them. Considering the role that employment, financial, and housing stability have on the ability to effectively engage with the rehabilitative process, removing access to a car could have enormously harmful effects.