Unlicensed Drivers, ECHS, Committees,Traffic Engineering, NCDOT

More Accurate Identification of Revoked Drivers
Description:	One problem with reducing the number of Driving While License Revoked (DWLR) offenders is the initial identification of these offenders by law enforcement officers (LEO). Law enforcement depends on the Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) data to provide information regarding a subject's license status. This strategy will modify the computer information systems used by LEOs to greatly facilitate the identification of DWLR offenders.
Group Lead:	Sargent Tim Tomczak - Raleigh Police Department
ECHS Approval:	January 26, 2005
Host Agency:	NC Department of Transportation - Division of Motor Vehicles
Agency Contact:	Commissioner George Tatum, NCDOT - DMV
Notes:
Status:	In Progress

Temporary Impoundment of Offender's Vehicle to Deter Repeated Violations of Driving While License Revoked (DWLR)
Description:	A recurring problem with Driving while License Revoked (DWLR) charges is the fact that simply removing a person's privilege to drive does not ensure that an individual will not drive. As many revocations are the result of Driving While Impaired charges or an accumulation of points due to poor driving, it is especially important to ensure that revoked drivers do not operate vehicles on the roads of North Carolina. When implemented, this strategy will result in a 48 hour impoundment of the vehicle for anyone who is caught DWLR.
Group Lead:	Sargent Tim Tomczak, Raleigh Police Department
ECHS Approval:	October 20, 2004
Host Agency:	NC Department of Transportation - Division of Motor Vehicles
Agency Contact:	Commissioner George Tatum, NCDOT - DMV
Notes:	This strategy targets all individuals who drive while suspended, revoked or unlicensed.
Status:	In Progress - Will Need Legislation

Tougher Punishment for Repeat Offenders: Habitual Revoked Driving
Description:	One of the most frustrating aspects of charging someone with Driving While License Revoked (DWLR) is that they usually continue to drive, uncaring that the State has suspended their privilege to operate a vehicle. Even if someone is convicted of DWLR ten times, the most punishment they could receive is Permanent Revocation (which really is not all that "permanent" if you carefully read the law), conviction of a Class 1 Misdemeanor, and possibly 120 days in jail and a fine. The reality of the situation is that judges rarely impose active time for DWLR offenses. This strategy will seek tougher punishment as a means of deterring individuals from driving while revoked.
Group Lead:	Rob Foss - UNC Highway Safety Research Center
ECHS Approval:	N/A
Host Agency:	N/A
Agency Contact:	N/A
Notes:
Status:	In draft mode - Work Group discussion are continuing.

Impoundment of Vehicle License Plates
Description:	Strategies targeting unlicensed drivers should examine ways to 1) Increase the penalties for driving while revoked, 2) Make it more difficult or more of an inconvenience to do so and 3) Make it easier for law enforcement officers to identify vehicles of revoked individuals. This strategy will accomplish all three by impounding the license plates of a vehicle for individuals found driving without being licensed, increase penalties and fees associated with driving unlicensed and provide specially marked plates for these vehicles so that members of the family can drive the vehicle while making it easily recognizable to law enforcement.
Group Lead:	Cliff Braam - NCDOT
ECHS Approval:	N/A
Host Agency:	N/A
Agency Contact:	N/A
Notes:	This strategy will only be applied to individuals who continue to drive while suspended, revoked or unlicensed due to repeated DWI convictions.
Status:	In draft mode; submitted to the ECHS on July 27, 2005. Committee asked for revisions to the strategy.