Reinstatement fee amnesty program set

Ohio Rep. John E. Barnes Jr. at a December 2017 hearing compared license reinstatement fees to a debtor’s prison.

Ohio Rep. John E. Barnes Jr. at a December 2017 hearing compared license reinstatement fees to a debtor’s prison.

Barnes, D-Cleveland, said his office was contacted by one Ohio resident who told the representative that he lived in an area without public transportation and had to quit his job because he had no means of getting there.

“I made a mistake,” the person told Barnes. “I paid for it. I’m trying to come back.”

A Barnes-sponsored bill goes into effect Jan. 31, 2019, that creates a temporary 6-month program that requires the Registrar of Motor Vehicles to reduce or waive driver’s license reinstatement fees for offenders whose driver’s licenses have been suspended for specific offenses

“At a time when we’re trying to create jobs, where we’re trying to move forward with training and opportunity, for people to not have access to that once they’ve paid their debt to society is an unintended consequence and a debtor’s prison that I believe this important legislation will correct.”

According to the Ohio Legislative Service Commission, there are 25 offenses eligible for the reduction/waiver. Those include operating a vehicle without proof of insurance; reckless operation; failure to stop for a school bus; repeat traffic offender; and wrongful entrustment of a motor vehicle.

Offenses involving alcohol, drugs or a deadly weapon are not eligible.

Applicants must have completed all court-ordered sanctions related to the offense other than payment of the reinstatement fees. Additionally, at least 18 months must have passed since the end of the period of the court-ordered suspension.

Those able to provide proof of indigence will qualify for a complete amnesty of reinstatement fees according to the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles. A person is considered indigent of they participate in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.

Those interested in applying must complete BMV form 2829, a BMV Reinstatement Fee Amnesty Application. Those forms can be obtained at the local Deputy Registrar, online at www.bmv.ohio.gov or mailed by calling 614752-750.