BISMARCK – U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND) joined his Senate colleagues in introducing the Driving for Opportunity Act, bipartisan legislation which will provide incentives to states choosing to end debt-based driver’s license suspensions. Millions of Americans have had their driver’s licenses suspended simply because they did not have the money to pay fines or fees, and not for public safety reasons. These debt-based driver’s license suspensions make it harder for Americans to go to work to pay off their debts and place an unnecessary burden on law enforcement, diverting resources to improve public safety.
“Suspending licenses because of unpaid debts is unproductive and makes it harder for people to live out their daily lives, especially in rural states like North Dakota. Without a license, people can’t commute to work or the doctor’s office, hold a job, or support their family financially, creating a never-ending cycle of debt,” said Senator Cramer. “Our bill incentivizes states to adopt laws which would relieve burdens put on police to enforce these suspensions and allows law enforcement to focus on public safety.”
Joining Senator Cramer are Senators Chris Coons (D-DE), Roger Wicker (R-MS), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), John Boozman (R-AR), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), James Lankford (R-OK), Thom Tillis (R-NC), Ron Wyden (D-OR), and Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV).
Click here for bill text.