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Driving without license is now a civil offense
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Posted on May 06 2008
A new law has reclassified driving without license, formerly a crime of misdemeanor, as a civil offense.
Gov. Benigno R. Fitial has approved the legislation, which is seen to save the courts an undetermined amount of money.
“I agree with the findings of the Legislature that due to the nature of the offense, driving without immediate possession of a valid license should be a civil offense instead of a misdemeanor,” Fitial said.
He added, “I am aware that offenders end up with a criminal record, which can be considered a heavy punishment since the offense lacks a victim. I appreciate that by turning this crime into a civil offense, the government will save money form having to appoint attorneys to represent indigent offenders,” he added.
Under the new law, a person caught driving without a license will simply have to pay up to $50 for the first offense, and up to $100 for any second or subsequent offense.
In other news, the governor also signed into law a bill including electrical upgrades to the projects covered by a previous $1.2-million appropriation for the Tinian High School.
The lawmakers say the upgrade is needed to accommodate the school’s increased voltage requirements.
