Ohio extends program helping drivers get licenses reinstated

Published 9:27 am Tuesday, July 23, 2019

COLUMBUS (AP) — A program that has helped more than 6,500 Ohio drivers get their licenses reinstated after suspensions is being extended until the end of the year.

Drivers can apply to have certain license reinstatement fees waived or reduced under the Reinstatement Fee Amnesty Initiative.

Cleveland.com reports two state representatives, Republican Dave Greenspan of Westlake and Democrat Juanita Brent of Cleveland, are proposing the program be made permanent.

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Over 79,000 people have applied for amnesty in the program’s first six months. Officials waived or reduced fees for roughly 71,000 people, eliminating nearly $60 million in fees.

Eligible drivers must have completed any other court-ordered sanctions, and at least 18 months must have passed since any court-ordered suspension ended. Drivers’ fees aren’t eligible if their offenses involved drugs, alcohol or a deadly weapon.