Signed by Governor Ralph Northam

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to amend and pass a bill that prohibits the suspension of a driver's license for nonpayment of fines or costs.

Highlights:

• Specifies that when a person charged with a traffic infraction fails to enter a written or court appearance, they will be deemed to have waived court hearing and the case may be heard in their absence (Sec. 1). 

• Specifies that whenever a defendant is sentenced to pay a fine and they are unable to pay the fine within 30 days of sentencing, the court shall order the defendant to pay the fine in deferred payments or installments (Sec. 1). 

• Authorizes the court, if a defendant cannot make payment within 90 days of sentencing, to assess a one-time fee of no more than $10 to cover management costs until such account is paid in full (Sec. 1).

• Prohibits the suspension of driver’s license for failing to pay outstanding fees and fines (Sec. 1). 

• Requires the Department of Motor Vehicles to reinstate driver’s licenses that were revoked before July 1, 2019 (Sec. 3).

Full Bill Text