Staff Analysis of the Legislation
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SB 350 amends Chapter 5 of Title 40 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated which relates to drivers licenses. No one, unless exempted, shall drive any motor vehicle upon a highway in this state unless that person has a valid driver’s license for the type or class of vehicle being driven. Any person who is a resident of Georgia for 30 days shall obtain a Georgia driver’s license before operating a motor vehicle in this state. Any court having jurisdiction over traffic offenses shall report to the Department of Driver’s Services the name and other identifying information of any individual convicted of driving without a license. Any person who drives a motor vehicle on any public highway of this state without ever being issued a license shall be guilty of a misdemeanor for a first conviction. That person shall be fingerprinted and shall be imprisoned not less then 2 days and not more then 12 months and subject to pay a fine between $500 and $1,000, however, at the time of the hearing such person shall not be guilty if he or she presents the court with proof of a valid Georgia driver’s license. The fingerprints are used to track future violations of the same person. The second and third convictions within 5 years shall constitute a high and aggravated misdemeanor. For the fourth conviction within 5 years, the violator will be guilty of a felony and will be imprisoned between 1 and 5 years and subject to pay a fine between $2,500 and $5,000. When any person charged with a felony or driving without being licensed or convicted of driving under the influence is confined for any period of time in jail, a reasonable effort shall be made to determine the nationality of the person confined. |