Rhode Island DMV Gives Suspended Drivers Until May 28th to Request Hearings

Posted & filed under Auto Safety, distracted driving, DUI, Insurance Briefs, Rhode Island Car Insurance.

The Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles has announced that several hundred drivers who had their licenses suspended without being told the reason may continue driving until they can get hearings to resolve their issues.

Last month, the American Civil Liberties Union sued the Rhode Island DMV after 1,500 residents of the state received letters stating that their drivers licenses would be suspended because they owed fees of $0.00 for violations that occurred on 00/00/0000. The letters provided no information about the alleged violations, but it was found that they were sent after a DMV computer system upgrade which resulted in the discovery of decades-old violations which had – apparently – been left unresolved.

Last Friday, the DMV sent new letters to the affected motorists, stating that the original notices (which were sent between September and May) failed to provide information required by law, and offering hearings, and the reinstatement of their licenses until their cases could be heard. Drivers have until May 28th to request hearings.

According to Amy Kempe, a spokeswoman for the governor’s office, those motorists who were accused of serious violations, such as driving under the influence, will not have their licenses reinstated as part of this process.

Kempe also said that the DMV has been working with the Rhode Island Traffic Tribunal to address the problem which the ACLU brought to light. She said, “We do understand the frustration of the public.”

ACLU executive director Steve Brown said that he hoped the state of Rhode Island would dismiss all the charges, since the DMV is now required to prove every violations. “By dropping these ancient and often questionable charges now, the state will save itself a good deal of time and expense,” he said. “Otherwise, the DMV may very well face additional litigation from some of the motorists who have been most adversely affected by the agency’s unconstitutional actions.”