The Effects of Closing Texas’s Driver Responsibility Program

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The Driver Responsibility Program in Texas was extremely unpopular, and it was ultimately repealed in September of last year. If you were on the program, you may have questions about how this closing affects you. The Driver Responsibility Program was predicated on charging those with suspended licenses additional surcharges each year, and if those affected could not afford to pay said charges, they were hit with additional charges and could face longer license suspensions. It amounted to what many considered a debt trap.

Abolishment of the Program

The repeal of the Texas Driver Responsibility Program happened in September of 2019, and any unpaid surcharges that were owed prior to that date are no longer collectible. Those who were in the program no longer owe anything, and if you were on a payment program, you should make sure that you are no longer making payments.

Your Driver’s License

If you were facing driver’s license suspension based solely on the Driver’s Responsibility Program’s fees and associated suspensions, the repeal of the program provides you with the opportunity to have your license reinstated. Other factors can be at play, however, including:

  • If you have other types of suspensions and/or fees pending on your license, they are not affected by this appeal.

  • It is likely that you will need to pay a fee that is unrelated to the repeal to reinstate your license.

  • If your driver’s license was suspended for more than two years, you will be required to retake the driver’s exam.

Restoration of your driver’s license is not automatic, and you may face a variety of hurdles in your attempts to reinstate it. It is obviously important, however, not to drive on a suspended license, so consulting with an experienced criminal defense attorney is always in your best interests.

Refunds Are Not Available

Unfortunately, those who have already paid into the program will not be receiving any refunds for their efforts. While there is a lawsuit pending regarding the constitutionality of the program that may have affected the state's decision to repeal the deeply unpopular system in the first place, this suit does have a monetary component, and no reimbursements will be forthcoming.

OmniBase Holds Are Different

An OmniBase hold is placed on one’s driver’s license when the individual has outstanding citations that have not been addressed in a timely manner. If you simply pay off the amount you owe – plus an administrative fee – you can begin the process of reinstating your driver’s license, but you are also admitting to your guilt in the matter, which will affect your record. A skilled criminal defense attorney can help.

You Need an Experienced Killeen Criminal Defense Attorney on Your Side

If you have concerns related to your driver’s license, Brett Pritchard at The Law Office of Brett H. Pritchard in Killeen, Texas, is a skilled criminal defense attorney who has the experience and commitment to fight for your rights and for a successful resolution of your case. We are here to help, so please do not hesitate to contact or call us at 254-501-4040 for more information today.

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