Resource: Challenging Unconstitutional Driver’s License Suspensions

Millions of people across the nation have suffered the suspension or revocation of driver’s licenses for the nonpayment of court fines and fees. Forty-three states suspend driver’s licenses and three others prevent renewals for unpaid court debt. Only four states (California, Kentucky, Georgia, and Wyoming) do not use driver’s license suspensions to enforce unpaid court debt. Of the states that use licenses suspensions, forty states allow suspensions without a determination of ability to pay. Moreover, in most states, suspensions are indefinite, there is a fee to reinstate licenses, and there are no occupational or other restricted-use licenses available.