Laurel Highlands Today

The Senate Transportation Committee has voted in favor of a bill sponsored by Senators Pat Stefano (R-32) and Jay Costa (D-43), which offers an alternative for Pennsylvania drivers who are unable to pay the fees associated with their suspended licenses. Senate Bill 1118 proposes that magisterial district judges can assign community service as a payment alternative for individuals financially unable to cover the costs related to traffic offenses, rather than imposing indefinite license suspensions.

"Too often, young and economically disadvantaged drivers carry the burden of insurmountable amounts of debt, restricting their potential. Those individuals deserve a solution to retain their driver’s license so that they can continue to contribute to our communities," said Stefano. "Providing this alternative for drivers to avoid a suspended license will not only empower those individuals to pursue employment or education opportunities but further enhance our workforce and aid the betterment of neighborhoods across the commonwealth."

The bill also includes provisions for those currently facing suspended licenses due to violations such as driving without a license, failure to appear in court, or failure to pay fines. These individuals could be eligible for community service as an alternative if deemed appropriate by a judge.

"I am delighted to be supporting this bill as we move the needle on justice for low-income drivers," said Costa. "We know that members of our community who struggle financially rely on their cars to get to work, care for family, and manage day-to-day tasks. By allowing those drivers an alternate pathway for reinstituting their license, we are delivering a justice system that works for every Pennsylvanian. I look forward to getting this over the finish line."

The bill now advances to the full Senate for consideration.

CONTACT:

Amanda Cuteri (Stefano’s office), 717-787-7175

Savannah Thorpe (Costa’s office), 717-787-7683