Driving Without A License In Washington Could Soon Be Decriminalized
Listen
Washington lawmakers are considering reducing the penalty for driving with a suspended or revoked license.
Right now, it’s a gross misdemeanor and can lead to fines, hefty court fees and even jail time.
Virla Spencer is with the Center for Justice in Spokane. She said the law disproportionately affects low-income people who have to choose between driving to work without a license or losing out on income.
“If they end up being pulled over and they get a ticket, they don’t resolve the ticket within a timely matter, it is then referred over to the Department of Licensing and their driver’s license is suspended,” Spencer said. “They end up going to jail behind a choice on feeding their families.”
Lawmakers are considering changing the least serious offense, driving without a license in the third degree, from a misdemeanor to a traffic infraction with a $250 penalty.
At a public hearing Monday, some argued against that change, saying there should be hefty consequences for driving without a license.
Related Stories:
Washington state bill could change how rural communities could work to close a library
Young adult books at the Columbia County Library. Some people have requested to move the YA section into the adult section because of what they call “obscene” material in 100… Continue Reading Washington state bill could change how rural communities could work to close a library
Washington leaders try to find solutions for wolf depredations and killing of wolves
A gray wolf. (Credit: William Campbell) Listen (Runtime 1:07) Read Some ranchers are saying it is time to find creative ways to deal with wolf attacks on livestock. That’s what… Continue Reading Washington leaders try to find solutions for wolf depredations and killing of wolves
Washington bill aims to reduce ‘fast fashion’ carbon emissions, pollution
Pollution and greenhouse gas emissions from the manufacture of fast fashion are growing just as fast as the industry. A new bill in Washington aims to help lessen the industry’s… Continue Reading Washington bill aims to reduce ‘fast fashion’ carbon emissions, pollution
