Rep. Brewer and Suspended Licenses

Millions of Ohioans are being stripped of their right to drive due to their debt – for reasons unrelated to dangerous driving. Despite being unable to drive to work (or search for work) individuals can’t reinstate their license until all fines and fees are paid off. Why should someone be punished if they don’t have the money to pay a court fee? Even with the funds to resolve their debt, the system for paying that debt is complicated, often entailing trips to multiple jurisdictions – particularly challenging for people who cannot drive legally. The issue of debt-related driver’s license suspensions criminalizes poverty, keeping individuals trapped in an inescapable cycle. 

I sat down with Representative Darnell Brewer (District 18) to discuss the work he’s done in resolving the issue of debt-related license suspensions; from sponsoring House Bill 29, which gives limited driving privileges to individuals owing child support, to hosting events to help make the complicated processes of license reinstatement easier.  

When asked what the biggest obstacle is in ending this injustice, Representative Brewer explained that lawmakers need to understand that debt-related license suspensions affect public safety across all of Ohio, not just urban areas. After its introduction, Senate Bill 37 was watered down by lobbyists representing the insurance industry, who count on the BMV to ensure that people do not fall behind on their insurance payments. The amended bill passed the Ohio Senate unanimously and now sits in the House, where its fate is up in the air. Despite the added amendments, S.B. 37 would still significantly reduce debt-related suspensions and put thousands of safe drivers back on the road and back to work.  

What can Ohioans do to help? Representative Brewer urged people to share their stories and experiences with license suspensions with lawmakers. Educate yourself by following sources like the Marshall Project and Channel 5 news and stay up to date with your representatives via social media. Representative Brewer has already held a town hall that brought BMV officials to his district to inform Ohioans about ways to restore their license. Stay tuned to this space for information about future events that can help you restore your right to drive. 

Check out the full interview with Representative Brewer and read The Legal Aid Society of Cleveland’s report, ‘A Road to Nowhere’, to learn the facts and consequences of debt-related license suspensions.