Traffic Fines (H 7594, S 2433)

This legislation would have allowed drivers a hearing to prove their inability to pay traffic fines, and authorized payment plans or reductions in the fines before their license is suspended.

Under current law, fined drivers must pay the entirety of the fine or their license to drive is suspended. In Rhode Island and nationwide this requirement can trap people in poverty as they struggle not only to pay fines, but also to get to work once their licenses are suspended for failing to pay. This legislation would have allowed drivers a hearing to prove their inability to pay traffic fines, and authorized payment plans or reductions in the fines before their license is suspended. In April, ACLU testified before the House and Senate Judiciary committees in support of this legislation. The Senate approved the legislation in May, but it never moved in the House.