HB 295 Summary

• Creates the "Saving Lives Through Safer Roadways Act" to establish mandatory vehicle impoundment or immobilization procedures when law enforcement issues a citation to or arrests a person for driving with a canceled, suspended, or revoked license.

• Requires law enforcement to immediately impound or immobilize vehicles upon citation or arrest, with notice sent within 10 business days to all registered owners and lienholders; vehicle remains impounded until owner provides proof of valid driver's license, vehicle ownership, and insurance.

• Establishes separate penalty structure for drivers whose licenses are suspended or revoked for non-traffic violations (child support, financial obligations, insurance requirements), creating misdemeanor charges rather than felony charges for first and second convictions.

• Allows certain non-commercial driver license holders cited for knowingly driving with a suspended, revoked, or canceled license to enter a plea of nolo contendere with proof of compliance, with adjudication withheld if made no more than three times in 12 months.

• Takes effect January 1, 2012.