COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — A new law set to take effect April 9 will lift the suspensions of some Ohioans’ driver’s licenses, eliminating suspensions for failing to pay court fines or fees and certain minor offenses. The law does not cover suspensions related to “drug abuse offenses” involving a vehicle.
Ohio’s Legislature passed House Bill 29 in December with unanimous support in the Senate, 31-0, and an 84-6 vote in the House. Gov. Mike DeWine signed the bill into law in January.
The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Ohio praised the legislation, noting Ohio is now the 25th state to move away from debt-related penalties.
“House Bill 29 is smart, practical policy that will enable Ohioans to reinstate their licenses, drive to work, take their children to school, and participate more fully in their communities,” said Patrick Higgins, ACLU of Ohio Policy Council, in a statement. “A person’s ability to pay should not determine whether they are free to drive. We thank lawmakers for passing this legislation and are grateful that Governor DeWine signed it into law.”
The law also allows reinstatement of licenses or vehicle registrations suspended before its enactment, unless they were suspended for other offenses. Additionally, those with suspensions for defaulting on child support can seek limited driving privileges by proving that the suspension hinders their ability to make payments.
A 2022 report by the Legal Aid Society of Cleveland revealed that 60% of driver’s license suspensions in Ohio were for non-driving-related reasons.
“These ‘debt-related suspensions’ trap people with limited means in an impossible cycle: They cannot afford the required payments, so they need to work to earn money, but they don’t have a valid driver’s license, so they cannot get to work, thus they cannot make the payments to get a valid driver’s license,” the organization stated.
Impacted individuals will be notified within 30 days of the law taking effect, with instructions on license reinstatement. No fees will be charged for reinstatement, though individuals may need to pay if their license was suspended for another reason.
“This bill takes a significant step to giving more people a chance to work, which also provides businesses with an expanded pool of workers,” said Jill Rizika, CEO of Towards Employment, in a statement. “Our community — businesses, workers and families — benefit when more people have more opportunity to participate in Ohio’s economy, earning the money necessary to resolve existing debt and build careers.”