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Not paying a traffic ticket in Michigan can trap people in a cycle of license suspensions, jail time and more fines and fees. Lawmakers could change that.
A thread on what I've learned about driver's license suspensions and court debt
https://www.freep.com/story/news/local/michigan/2020/08/01/michigan-drivers-license-suspensions/4819150002/ @Report4America 1/7
A thread on what I've learned about driver's license suspensions and court debt
https://www.freep.com/story/news/local/michigan/2020/08/01/michigan-drivers-license-suspensions/4819150002/ @Report4America 1/7
Kamal Anderson's troubles started w/ a traffic stop for a busted tail light in '93. He couldn't pay the resulting ticket, missed his court hearing. His license was suspended.
He kept driving to get to work. A cycle of traffic stops, arrests played on a loop for 20+ years. 2/7
He kept driving to get to work. A cycle of traffic stops, arrests played on a loop for 20+ years. 2/7
Anderson estimates police pulled him over 30 times, usually for minor infractions. Those stops frequently ended with his arrest for driving with a suspended license. His debt tied to the suspensions ballooned to ~$10,000.
"You’re getting penalized for being poor," he said. 3/7
"You’re getting penalized for being poor," he said. 3/7
Last year, MI issued 365,965 license suspensions for nonpayment of fines and fees & failure to appear in court (including multiple suspensions for some drivers), according to the SOS.
More than 2.5 million suspensions were issued for those reasons between 2014 and 2019. 4/7
More than 2.5 million suspensions were issued for those reasons between 2014 and 2019. 4/7
Advocates say this practice exacerbates poverty in cities like Detroit. Data show racial disparities:
Driving without a valid license was the most serious charge at jail admission in MI for 12% of Black men + 15% of Black women, compared to 6% for both white men and women 5/7
Driving without a valid license was the most serious charge at jail admission in MI for 12% of Black men + 15% of Black women, compared to 6% for both white men and women 5/7
A bill introduced in the House this summer would eliminate license suspensions in the Michigan Vehicle Code that are not related to dangerous driving.
"We want the people of Michigan to be working, to be able to put food on the table," said Rep. Bronna Kahle. 6/7
"We want the people of Michigan to be working, to be able to put food on the table," said Rep. Bronna Kahle. 6/7
Thanks to those who shared personal stories and expertise to help me understand this issue. @justcitydetroit @ACLUofMichigan @safeandjustmi @FinesandFeesJC
https://www.freep.com/story/news/local/michigan/2020/08/01/michigan-drivers-license-suspensions/4819150002/ 7/7
https://www.freep.com/story/news/local/michigan/2020/08/01/michigan-drivers-license-suspensions/4819150002/ 7/7
