Law Aimed at Curbing Drunk Drivers

Motorists who have had their licenses suspended and are caught driving could lose their vehicle to the government under a state law that takes effect Sunday.

“Driving is a privilege and not a right,” state Sen. Jack O’Connell (D-Carpinteria) said during a news conference Wednesday at California Highway Patrol headquarters in Ventura.

Speaking in front of a black pickup truck damaged in an alcohol-related accident, O’Connell said the new law is aimed at taking “bad drivers off the road.”

“I am hopeful that these new statutes will help give law enforcement additional tools to get the drinking driver off our highways,” O’Connell said.

Under the new law, a motorist with a suspended license who is caught driving will have his or her vehicle impounded and could be forced to pay a stiff fine to get it back, O’Connell said.

If a second violation occurs within five years, the government will have the authority to sell the vehicle and use the proceeds to pay impoundment fees or any outstanding debts on the vehicle. Leftover money would be divided among the government agencies handling the case, O’Connell said.

Currently, police have a vehicle towed when its driver does not have a valid license. But the driver can get the vehicle back by paying impoundment fees, said CHP spokeswoman Staci Morse.

“As long as people bring a driver’s license with them and pay the fees, we release the car,” Morse said. “With the new law, the vehicle (could) be sold the second time it’s impounded.”

Also beginning Sunday, citations may be issued to minors not wearing an approved bicycle helmet while riding a bicycle on the street, a bikeway or a public path, O’Connell said.