When you get your license suspended, it can be a massive inconvenience factor, especially if you do not have access to public transport. Licenses can get suspended for a number of reasons, the most common reason for if you were caught driving under the influence of alcohol. You can also have your license suspended due to multiple traffic violations. Florida drivers in Palm Beach County have the opportunity to reinstate their suspended licenses for this limited time.
What is the point of suspending licenses?
The reason your license gets suspended under certain conditions is to ensure that drivers on the road continue to adhere to traffic laws. It ensures that all drivers are held responsible for reckless behavior which endangers other drivers on the road. By suspending licenses, it deters other drivers from breaking the law and keeping roads safe and accidents to a minimum. Suspending licenses can also be done for non-driving related unlawful violations. For example, in some states, if you fail to pay child support you can have your license suspended.
However, some critics have pointed out that suspending licenses may not always have the desired outcome. A big criticism of the practice is how it disproportionally affects low-income individuals. There already exists debates on how traffic fines do not have the same effect on wealthier individuals as they do on people with little-income. If a low-income individual cannot afford to pay their fines, to then get their license suspended, this can become a massive hurdle for that individual who needs to know find alternative ways to get to work.
Palm Beach County residents get their licenses reinstated
If you are a resident of Palm Beach Country and have your license suspended, you may be able to get it reinstated. Residents has the opportunity between March 3-7 to have their agency fees waived due to the annual Operation Green Light initiative. The program offers drivers the chance to resolve their traffic fines and other traffic violations which got their licensee suspended. The program is specifically aimed at people who have overdue fines, giving them the opportunity to possibly get them reduced or waived, or to have their license reinstated while still owing fines.
“Operation Green Light provides an opportunity for individuals who want to do the right thing and pay off their fines and other court costs but may need a little help,” Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller for Palm Beach County, Joseph Abruzzo, said.
Residents had the opportunity pay their fines during this period with the possibility of getting their license reinstated on the same day. Usually, there is a period of time your license is suspended for, however the program can allow for this time to be reduced. In Florida, if you do not pay your traffic fines within 90 days of the due date, you can get a suspended license.
License laws and regulations constantly under review
In keeping up with changes on the road and modern driving standards, license regulations are constantly under review. Different states vary in how strict their license regulations and policies are. Arizona has one of the strictest policies, with an 8-point system which can see your license get suspended if you go over this. They also have one of the harshest driving under the influence policies, where if you are caught doing it, you can not only get your license suspended, but may have to go through a mandatory alcohol education program before getting your license reinstated.
On the other hand, South Dakota has some of the most lax license policies and suspension laws. The state does not have a point system, and their driving under the influence policies are not as strict for first time offenders.
