Oklahoma Bill Would Strengthen Penalties Against Unlicensed Drivers

Oklahoma Senate Bill 1170, by State Sen. Debbe Leftwich, which increases the penalty for a person who causes the injury or death of a person while driving with a license that has been suspended, revoked, canceled or denied, has been approved by the Oklahoma Senate Appropriations Committee and will be considered by the full Senate.

“I’ve had two fatality accidents in my district, both involving children who were killed because people who had lost their licenses decided to get behind the wheel anyway,” said Leftwich, D-Oklahoma City. “Relatives of the victims were even more upset when they found out that under the current law, the most those drivers could be charged with was a misdemeanor. It is obvious we need to strengthen the penalty and ensure we have a way to get these dangerous drivers off the street.”

Under SB 1170, an individual knowingly driving with a license that had been suspended, revoked, canceled or denied could be charged with a felony, and if convicted, could serve up to five years in prison. Similar legislation was approved last year, but was not signed by the governor.

Source: Oklahoma Senate