Driving privilege: suspension.
The passing of AB 2145 would notably impact the administrative procedures surrounding driving privileges in California. By requiring a 30-day notice prior to the suspension, the bill aims to provide individuals with a fairer opportunity to rectify issues related to dishonored checks. This change could lead to a decrease in immediate license suspensions, potentially reducing the number of individuals affected by abrupt driving privilege cancellations. Furthermore, it may encourage timely payment of fines or fees, as individuals will be more aware of the consequences ahead of time.
Assembly Bill 2145, introduced by Assembly Member Wilson, amends Section 13362 of the California Vehicle Code. The bill seeks to reform the process by which a person's driving privilege is suspended due to the dishonor of a check. Under existing law, a driver's license can be suspended immediately upon notification from a bank that a check has been dishonored. However, AB 2145 proposes that before this suspension takes effect, the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) must provide a written notice to the affected individual stating that their driving privilege will be canceled due to the dishonored check, including the date of the proposed suspension and the option to pay any outstanding fees within a 30-day period to prevent cancellation.
While the bill is generally seen as a positive reform to protect individuals from unexpected suspensions, there could be contention concerning how effectively this notice period would be communicated and adhered to by the DMV. Critics may argue that the 30-day notice could delay appropriate enforcement measures for those who fail to pay their fines promptly. Additionally, there may be concerns about how this bill could be implemented at scale within existing DMV operations, along with the potential for increased administrative costs related to the additional notice process.