This bill amends Section 49-328 of the Idaho Code to establish new provisions for the reinstatement of driver's licenses that have been suspended due to failure to pay traffic infraction penalties. Specifically, it removes the previous stipulation that a driver's license could not be suspended for non-payment of an infraction penalty and introduces a requirement that licenses suspended under the new Section 49-1505 cannot be reinstated until proof of payment of the infraction penalty is provided. Additionally, the bill sets a reinstatement fee of $25 and outlines the process for reinstatement after a suspension.

The bill also adds a new Section 49-1505, which mandates that starting January 1, 2027, the Department of Motor Vehicles will suspend the driver's licenses of individuals who are 30 days or more delinquent in paying their traffic infraction fines. Courts will notify the department of such delinquencies, and individuals will have the opportunity to appeal the suspension in district court. The bill allows for the issuance of temporary restricted permits for employment travel and provides exceptions for medical emergencies. Furthermore, it requires courts to inform the department of individuals with unpaid fines starting July 1, 2026, to prepare for the enforcement of these new penalties. An emergency clause is included, making the act effective immediately upon passage.

Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 49-328