Chris S.’s driver’s license was suspended five times for failure to pay fines. He never received prior notice that his license was being suspended. He never had an opportunity to explain why it should not be suspended. In most instances, he learned his driver’s license was suspended from a police officer after he was pulled over. Even if he had actually received notice in advance, Chris would not have had alternative options for transportation. He lives in Judsonia, Arkansas, a town without a public transportation system. He lost multiple jobs sitting in jail because he could not afford to pay court debt. Moreover, each time his license was suspended, he was required to pay additional fines and fees for driving on a suspended license and a $100 reinstatement fee.
Source: Too Poor to Pay