House urges repeal of Texas program that turns many low-income drivers into scofflaws

[TexasTowelie]

AUSTIN -- A much-criticized program that charges drivers huge fines on top of existing penalties for violations such as speeding and DWI would be eliminated under a bill the House unanimously approved Thursday.

The Driver Responsibility Program would go away if House Bill 2048 becomes law.

As of Sept. 1, more than 1.4 million Texans who’ve lost their driver licenses because they can’t afford to pay the surcharges could get their licenses reinstated if the only reason for suspension was failure to pay.

The bill, passed 143-0, now goes to the Senate.

Read more: https://www.dallasnews.com/news/texas-politics/2019/05/02/house-urges-repeal-texas-program-turns-many-low-income-drivers-scofflaws

[Jake Stern]

1. Can't have drunk drivers being inconvenienced and losing their license now can we?

It's funny how people who pooh pooh DWIs are the same ones who would be demanding prison for someone who is firing a gun down a public street.

To me they're the same thing except the drunk's weapon is a multi-ton vehicle instead of a firearm.

[BigMin28]

2. It's not just drunk drivers

Drunk drivers pay the max surcharge. $1500.00 a year for 3 years. That's on top of the fines, court costs, probation.
The problem is, surcharges start with some minor traffic violations, and progressively get more expensive. Someone should be able to pay a ticket, and be done with it. Not have to face additional charges for 3 years after paying a fine.

Of course this mostly affects low income.

[flamin lib]

3. This law is a catch 22.

Have your license suspended for whatever reason and in Texas you can't work cause there is no public transportation. Get a ticket for driving without and the surcharges mount into the thousands for a minor infraction. It's as bad as payday lending. I have no problem with proportional fines but the compounding of punishment is nothing short of Draconian.