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House of Representatives
Session of 2015 - 2016 Regular Session

MEMORANDUM

Posted:	February 1, 2016 03:36 PM
From:	Representative Marcia M. Hahn
To:	All House members
Subject:	Penalties for Driving Under Suspension as a Result of a DUI

In the near future, I will introduce legislation which would create a tiered penalty system for drivers who operate a vehicle while their license is suspended as a result of a DUI. Recently, it has come to my attention that if a driver has his or her license suspended because of a DUI and they’re caught driving, the penalty for driving on a suspended license is the same no matter how many times they are caught breaking the law. In my opinion, this is a loophole in the Vehicle Code that fails to adequately punish those who repeatedly break the law knowing that their penalty won’t get any more severe. My legislation would create a tiered penalty system similar to that described in Section 1543(b)(1.1) of the Vehicle Code which refers to driving under suspension as a result of a DUI and being caught with alcohol in your system. Under this legislation, the first offense for driving under suspension as a result of DUI would be the same as the second offense for driving under suspension as a result of a DUI with alcohol in your system. This will serve as a deterrent to those who willingly choose to drive under suspension following a DUI as well as put into place stricter penalties for habitual offenders. Please join me in sponsoring this important piece of legislation to keep our streets and highways safe from DUI offenders.

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