This bill amends current law to allow drivers who plead guilty or nolo contendere to certain driving violations to request an extension of their fine payment period from 30 days to 90 days. The new legal language specifies that drivers can submit their plea and payment either physically, by mail, or online, and outlines the conditions under which the extended payment period applies. Specifically, if a driver has no outstanding motor vehicle violations or unpaid fines, they can request a 90-day payment period; otherwise, they must adhere to the original 30-day deadline. Additionally, the bill introduces a provision allowing for a second 90-day extension if requested within the last 30 days of the initial extension period.

The bill also includes several insertions to clarify the process for submitting pleas and payments, including the option to pay online and the requirement for the Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to adopt rules regarding the extension requests. The estimated fiscal impact of implementing this bill is a one-time cost of $90,000 in FY 2026 for necessary software changes at the DMV, with no expected revenue changes. The bill is set to take effect on January 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 262:44
As Amended by the House: 262:44