> Even when the DMV does take away motorists’ driving privileges, state officials, law enforcement and the courts are often unable or unwilling to keep them off the road. We found cases where drivers racked up numerous tickets while driving on a suspended license and faced little more than fines before eventually causing a fatal crash, even though authorities could have sent them to jail.
It seems clear the main problem isn't people who retain their licenses, and further taking licenses away doesn't adequately deter dangerous drivers from getting behind the wheel.
Is the solution imprisoning those who are caught with invalid driving credentials? How would that jibe with the progressive goal of lowering incarceration, especially for (directly) nonviolent offenses such as driving on a suspended license? Or do we look to technology for a solution (this being HN after all)?
There's probably no way to really crack down on it without heavy penalties, but from what I hear, California isn't big on penalizing criminals these days. Can't say I love the idea of feeding and housing another whole class of criminal either. There may not be much of a solution.
ryandrake•9mo ago