Felder: NY Drivers Deserve To Pay The Fine – Not Do Time

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“Every year, drivers suffer under an unfair law that makes criminals out of law abiding people who rely on their cars to manage their work and family responsibilities. Crushing surcharges, fees and fines trap people in a financial hole they can’t climb out of, and put them at risk of grave consequences,” says NY State Senator Simcha Felder. “Living paycheck to paycheck in NYC, where everyone is over-taxed, over-ticketed and over-fined is not a crime, but driving with a suspended license is! Giving drivers the option of paying off their fines in a reasonable way that doesn’t break the bank is just good, common sense.”
Over 1.5 million drivers have their license suspended because they owe traffic-related fines and fees that they cannot afford to pay. The NYS Senate moved to end that practice on Wednesday when they passed legislation (S-5348), co-sponsored by Senator Felder, which would prevent people from having their license suspended for unpaid traffic tickets or for failing to appear in court for those tickets. It also requires the Department of Motor Vehicles to establish affordable payment plans to help pay traffic debts. The bill passed both houses of the State Legislature, and will now be sent to the Governor for his signature.
The bill does away with the state’s $70 suspension lift fee; under current law, drivers must pay that fee, on every suspension on their license, before driving privileges are restored. It requires the Department of Motor Vehicles to send drivers who receive traffic tickets reminders of their court dates and offer payment plans in proportion to their monthly income. Limiting payments to two percent of monthly net income or $10, whichever is greater. It also allows courts the flexibility to reduce or totally waive both fines and fees when appropriate.
“For the past few years I have worked to raise awareness of this issue; annually reminding drivers to check the status of their driver’s license and registration. This bill corrects a longstanding wrong for hard working New Yorkers who deserve a fair chance to pay the fine and avoid doing time,” concludes Senator Felder.
{Matzav.com Newscenter}

9 COMMENTS

  1. Felder, stop whining about the over taxation and cost of living in NY. You choose to live there, suffer the consequences. There are plenty of other areas for frum jews to live in. Stop complaining and move out

    • First of all, it’s not so easy to just pck up and leave. Second, when Mr. Felder was growing up in NYC the costs were not so astronomical at the time.

    • Why not work to make it better for those who live there, until they can move out? Or so that we don’t have to move? It’s not so easy to move and there is no guarantee that another place will be better. NY wasn’t always overtaxed.

    • Many of the tickets are over $100. That’s more than a day’s pay for many people. Many want to pay, but push it off because they simply can’t come up with the entire payment at one time. Making a payment plan is a big help. Thank you Mr. Felder.

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