Staff Analysis of the Legislation
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This bill contains several provisions intended to limit the number of drivers¿ license suspensions for nontraffic matters. License suspension is removed as a penalty for violation of O.C.G.A. § 3-3-23, related to the furnishing or purchase of alcohol by or for someone under 21 years of age, and for attendance and school behavior problems. Suspension for drug offenses is also affected. The bill adds definitions of ¿for-hire intrastate motor carrier¿ and ¿intrastate motor carrier¿ and provides for their regulation. Allows the county tag office to issue 30-day temporary registrations for the purpose of obtaining a successful emissions inspection. O.C.G.A. § 40-5-63 has been amended so that fraudulent use of identification documents or a drivers¿ license is no longer a suspendable offense under this Code Section. A nolo plea is treated as a conviction under O.C.G.A. § 40-5-57.1 (under 21, convicted of serious traffic offense) and license suspension is automatic after the court requires the surrender of the defendant¿s license. O.C.G.A. § 40-5-64 would be broadened to encompass the need to use a vehicle in an occupation beyond just to and from a place of employment as a justification for a limited driving permit. The first nolo plea to driving without a valid registration is now not treated as a conviction, though any subsequent plea within the next five years will be treated as a conviction (O.C.G.A. § 40-6-15). |
