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Unlicensed drivers a growing problem

The numbers in Ward County alone are somewhat staggering. More than 4,000 licensed drivers in the county currently have their driver’s licenses suspended or revoked. Minot’s Municipal Court has been flooded with cases of driving under suspension and the numbers seem to keep climbing. In one week alone this month more than 60 percent of the appearances before Judge Mark Rasmuson, 40 of 67 in a five-day period, were for driving under suspension.

“It’s a bigger issue than it’s ever been. It really, truly is a burden on society,” said Mike Lucy, American Family Insurance of Minot. “It is a big issue nationwide right now with all insurance companies.”

According to the North Dakota Department of Transportation nearly eight percent of driver’s licenses in Ward County are currently under suspension. A recent check of the DOT showed Ward County had 55,367 licensed drivers with 4,345 of the licenses suspended or revoked.

How so many people choose to drive despite not having a valid driver’s license is not known, but there’s been no slowdown in court appearances by those who have been charged by law enforcement. Many violators are willing to take their chances behind the wheel that they won’t be caught.

“The mentality of a lot of people is that it just doesn’t bother them,” said Lucy. “They roll the dice.”

When a suspended driver takes to the roadway he or she risks being caught and paying a fine and reinstatement fee. The greater risk is to licensed drivers. If they are involved in an accident with a driver whose license is under suspension, it is the legal driver that will likely have to pay the deductible to get their car fixed. If the licensed driver has only liability insurance, no collision, he or she will be on the hook for the entire amount of repairs.

“That’s where the real tragedy is,” explained Lucy. “There’s a lot of silent victims in this whole thing that really get hurt. It’s a bigger web than you’d believe.”

Automobile insurers do not write coverage policies for people with suspended driver’s licenses. Consequently, those with suspended licenses who choose to drive are doing so without protective insurance and driving without automobile insurance is not legal.

“Suspended and driving without insurance is really big,” remarked Lucy. “It effects overall insurance rates.”

Driving under the influence is one of the major reasons people have their driver’s licenses suspended. First time DUI offenders can lose their driving privileges for up to six months. The DOT requires a $100 reinstatement fee before lifting a suspension. That is in addition to fines and fees handed down in court. Then there’s the requirement to have automotive insurance which, for drivers whose licenses were previously suspended, will come at an increased rate.

Some drivers who had their driver’s license suspended under the state’s DUI laws may qualify for a work permit, which will permit some driving after a 30-day period. A requirement for consideration of a such a permit includes that the alcohol related offense be the only one issued to the offender during the previous five year period. The also process includes a review of a person’s driving record.

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