SB162 Summary

• Courts must allow defendants convicted of traffic violations who cannot pay fines, fees, penalties, or court costs within 30 days of sentencing to make payments through reasonable deferred payment plans, installment agreements, or community service.

• Courts may authorize clerks to establish and approve conditions for deferred payment and installment agreements, and may assess a one-time management fee not exceeding $10.

• Driver's licenses cannot be suspended or revoked solely based on failure to appear in connection with a traffic violation or inability to pay traffic fines, fees, penalties, or court costs.

• Defendants whose driver's licenses were previously suspended for failing to appear or for inability to pay traffic-related fines must have their licenses reinstated immediately, with written notification of reinstatement sent to the defendant.

• The act becomes effective on the first day of the third month following passage and approval by the Governor.