This bill abolishes driver’s license suspensions for failure to pay fines and fees imposed in criminal cases, except traffic offenses. Because the bill defines all moving violations as driving offenses, this bill does NOT prohibit driver’s license suspensions for unpaid traffic violations. Previously, failure to pay a fine related to a criminal offense resulted in an automatic driver’s license suspension.
The bill was vetoed by Governor Paul LePage, but his veto was overwhelmingly overridden by a vote of 129-5 in the House and unanimous Senate vote. You can read the full text of LD 1190 here.
Key Provisions
- Driver’s licenses can no longer be subject to suspension when a defendant fails to pay a fine for an offense unrelated to driving, including any non-driving related felony and misdemeanor and failure to appear in court.
Primary sponsor(s): Matthew Moonen
Bill number: LD1190
Status: Enacted