Weisberg Law Blog

Special license plates for convicted DUI offenders?

Does it make sense to require drunken driving offenders to put specially marked license plates on their cars?  Well, whether or not it makes sense it is law in several states, and similar bills have been introduced in Virginia and Maryland.

Right now if you are convicted of driving under the influence (DUI) in, for example, Georgia, Minnesota or Ohio, you could end up with a special license plate that flags you as a convicted DUI offender.  And, anybody who uses your car – your spouse, your children – would be driving around in the car as well, the target of who knows what kind of harassment.

The logic being used by lawmakers who introduce these bills is that the social stigma of having to drive a car that clearly labels an offender as a drunk driver would be an extra deterrent to drinking and driving again.

This is just another example of how anybody accused of drinking and driving becomes a punching bag for politicians looking to score points with constituents.  Everybody loves to see DUI offenders have the book thrown at them – lots of time in jail, big fines, loss of driving privileges – and no lawmaker wants to appear “soft” on drunken driving.

If you are facing DUI charges in Virginia Beach, Norfolk or nearby areas then it is very important that you understand your rights.  Don’t let publicity-happy law enforcement officers, judges and lawmakers have a field day while trampling on your case.  Let the attorneys at Weisberg & Zaleski defend you and protect your reputation and your future.

Labels: drunk driving conviction drunken driving DUI offender Virginia DUI