Suspended and Revoked Drivers Working Group

In February 2005, AAMVA convened a Working Group comprised of motor vehicle agency representatives, law enforcement professionals, judges, prosecutors, researchers and highway safety professionals from National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA), Federal Highways Administration (FHWA) and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to discuss and map out what needs to be done to address the problem of driving while suspended. The working group determined that not enough was known about the depth and breadth of the issue and that research was needed to more fully understand the changing relationship between license suspension, reasons for suspension and highway safety outcomes. A study was commissioned in response to the working group’s call for additional research.

The analysis conducted through the study provided a baseline for further discussion by the AAMVA Suspended and Revoked Drivers Working Group. The research results point to differences between the two groups when considering driving behavior. Overall, the analysis provides information to administrators and safety experts indicating the two groups of suspended drivers differ on multiple dimensions. We have shed some light on the fact that violation recidivism and crash involvement vary between the groups and that driving violations after suspension are more pronounced for those suspended for driving reasons. However, more research may be needed before drawing definitive conclusions.

Download the study here.

Working Group Releases Best Practices Guide to Reducing Suspended Drivers

(February 2013)
The suspension of driving privileges has been used for decades to address poor driving behavior. However, what was originally intended as a sanction to address poor driving behavior is now used as a mechanism to gain compliance with non-highway safety, or social non-conformance, reasons. Eliminating suspensions for non-highway safety violations will significantly reduce the burden on DMVs, law enforcement, the courts and society. AAMVA's Suspended/Revoked Working Group recommends that legislatures repeal state laws requiring the suspension of driving privileges for non-highway safety related violations. Download the document today to learn more.

Watch a video for a quick snapshot of the issue.