Bill Text: FL S0792 | 2011 | Regular Session | Comm Sub


Bill Title: Driving Without a Valid Driver's License

Spectrum: Slight Partisan Bill (? 2-1)

Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2011-05-07 - Indefinitely postponed and withdrawn from consideration [S0792 Detail]

Download: Florida-2011-S0792-Comm_Sub.html
       Florida Senate - 2011                       CS for CS for SB 792
       
       
       
       By the Committees on Criminal Justice; and Transportation; and
       Senator Diaz de la Portilla
       
       
       
       591-04440-11                                           2011792c2
    1                        A bill to be entitled                      
    2         An act relating to driving without a valid driver’s
    3         license; amending s. 318.18, F.S.; providing an
    4         additional fine for a violation of specified
    5         provisions relating to driving with a canceled,
    6         suspended, or revoked driver’s license or driving
    7         privilege; providing increased fine amounts for second
    8         or subsequent violations; amending s. 318.21, F.S.;
    9         providing for distribution of such fines collected;
   10         amending s. 322.34, F.S.; revising provisions relating
   11         to a conviction of the offense of driving while a
   12         person’s driver’s license or driving privilege is
   13         canceled, suspended, or revoked; requiring immediate
   14         impoundment of the motor vehicle; conforming
   15         provisions; revising penalties for knowingly driving
   16         while the driver’s license or driving privilege is
   17         canceled, suspended, or revoked; revising procedures
   18         for impoundment of the vehicle; providing an effective
   19         date.
   20  
   21  Be It Enacted by the Legislature of the State of Florida:
   22  
   23         Section 1. Subsection (22) is added to section 318.18,
   24  Florida Statutes, to read:
   25         318.18 Amount of penalties.—The penalties required for a
   26  noncriminal disposition pursuant to s. 318.14 or a criminal
   27  offense listed in s. 318.17 are as follows:
   28         (22) For a person driving any motor vehicle upon the
   29  highways of this state while the person’s license or privilege
   30  to drive is canceled, suspended, or revoked in violation of s.
   31  322.34(2), in addition to the fine under paragraph (3)(a), upon:
   32         (a) A first conviction, $250.
   33         (b) A second conviction, $500.
   34         (c) A third or subsequent conviction, $1,000.
   35         Section 2. Subsection (22) is added to section 318.21,
   36  Florida Statutes, to read:
   37         318.21 Disposition of civil penalties by county courts.—All
   38  civil penalties received by a county court pursuant to the
   39  provisions of this chapter shall be distributed and paid monthly
   40  as follows:
   41         (22) Notwithstanding subsections (1) and (2), the proceeds
   42  from the penalties imposed pursuant to s. 318.18(22) shall be
   43  distributed as follows:
   44         (a) For violations committed within a municipality, 40
   45  percent shall be distributed to the municipality, 40 percent
   46  shall be distributed to the county, and 20 percent shall be
   47  distributed to the law enforcement agency that issued the
   48  citation.
   49         (b) For violations committed outside a municipality, 80
   50  percent shall be distributed to the county and 20 percent shall
   51  be distributed to the enforcement agency that issued the
   52  citation.
   53         Section 3. Section 322.34, Florida Statutes, is amended to
   54  read:
   55         322.34 Driving while license suspended or, revoked,
   56  canceled, or disqualified.—
   57         (1) Except as provided in subsection (2), Any person whose
   58  driver’s license or driving privilege has been canceled,
   59  suspended, or revoked, except a person whose driver’s license or
   60  driving privilege has been suspended or revoked pursuant to s.
   61  322.28 or a habitual traffic offender as defined in s.
   62  322.264, who drives a vehicle upon the highways of this state
   63  while such license or privilege is canceled, suspended, or
   64  revoked commits is guilty of a moving violation, punishable as
   65  provided in chapter 318.
   66         (2) Any person whose driver’s license or driving privilege
   67  has been canceled, suspended, or revoked pursuant to s. 322.28,
   68  or as a habitual traffic offender as provided by law, except
   69  persons defined in s. 322.264, who, knowing of such
   70  cancellation, suspension, or revocation, drives any motor
   71  vehicle upon the highways of this state while such license or
   72  privilege is canceled, suspended, or revoked, upon:
   73         (a) A first conviction is guilty of a misdemeanor of the
   74  second degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s.
   75  775.083.
   76         (b) A second conviction is guilty of a misdemeanor of the
   77  first degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s.
   78  775.083.
   79         (c) A third or subsequent conviction is guilty of a felony
   80  of the third degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s.
   81  775.083, or s. 775.084.
   82  
   83  The element of knowledge is satisfied if the person has been
   84  previously cited as provided in subsection (1); or the person
   85  admits to knowledge of the cancellation, suspension, or
   86  revocation; or the person received notice as provided in
   87  subsection (4). There shall be a rebuttable presumption that the
   88  knowledge requirement is satisfied if a judgment or order as
   89  provided in subsection (4) appears in the department’s records
   90  for any case except for one involving a suspension by the
   91  department for failure to pay a traffic fine or for a financial
   92  responsibility violation.
   93         (3) In any proceeding for a violation of this section, a
   94  court may consider evidence, other than that specified in
   95  subsection (2), that the person knowingly violated this section.
   96         (4) Any judgment or order rendered by a court or
   97  adjudicatory body or any uniform traffic citation that cancels,
   98  suspends, or revokes a person’s driver’s license must contain a
   99  provision notifying the person that his or her driver’s license
  100  has been canceled, suspended, or revoked.
  101         (5)The motor vehicle being driven at the time of the
  102  offense in subsection (2) shall be immediately impounded if the
  103  driver is the registered owner of the vehicle, and the vehicle
  104  may not be released from impoundment before the impoundment
  105  surcharge is paid. The impoundment surcharge for:
  106         (a) A first offense, is $250 before release of the vehicle
  107  from impoundment.
  108         (b) A second offense, is $500 before release of the vehicle
  109  from impoundment.
  110         (c) A third or subsequent offense, is $1,000 before release
  111  of the vehicle from impoundment.
  112  
  113  The proceeds from impoundment surcharges shall be distributed as
  114  civil penalties pursuant to s. 318.21(22). Any impoundment
  115  surcharge collected under this subsection shall be credited
  116  toward the civil penalty amount assessed pursuant to s.
  117  318.18(22).
  118         (6)(5) Any person whose driver’s license has been revoked
  119  pursuant to s. 322.264, except for a violation of s.
  120  322.264(1)(d), as a (habitual traffic offender) and who drives
  121  any motor vehicle upon the highways of this state while such
  122  license is revoked commits is guilty of a felony of the third
  123  degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s.
  124  775.084.
  125         (7)(6) Any person who operates a motor vehicle:
  126         (a) Without having a driver’s license as required under s.
  127  322.03; or
  128         (b) While his or her driver’s license or driving privilege
  129  is canceled, suspended, or revoked pursuant to s. 316.655, s.
  130  322.26(8), s. 322.27(2), or s. 322.28(2) or (4),
  131  
  132  and who by careless or negligent operation of the motor vehicle
  133  causes the death of or serious bodily injury to another human
  134  being commits is guilty of a felony of the third degree,
  135  punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083.
  136         (8)(7) Any person whose driver’s license or driving
  137  privilege has been canceled, suspended, revoked, or disqualified
  138  and who drives a commercial motor vehicle on the highways of
  139  this state while such license or privilege is canceled,
  140  suspended, revoked, or disqualified, upon:
  141         (a) A first conviction is guilty of a misdemeanor of the
  142  first degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s.
  143  775.083.
  144         (b) A second or subsequent conviction is guilty of a felony
  145  of the third degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s.
  146  775.083, or s. 775.084.
  147         (9)(8)(a) Upon issuing a citation to the arrest of a person
  148  for a violation of subsection (2), the offense of driving while
  149  the person’s driver’s license or driving privilege is suspended
  150  or revoked, the law enforcement arresting officer shall
  151  immediately impound the vehicle if the driver is the registered
  152  owner of the vehicle. determine:
  153         1. Whether the person’s driver’s license is suspended or
  154  revoked.
  155         2. Whether the person’s driver’s license has remained
  156  suspended or revoked since a conviction for the offense of
  157  driving with a suspended or revoked license.
  158         3. Whether the suspension or revocation was made under s.
  159  316.646 or s. 627.733, relating to failure to maintain required
  160  security, or under s. 322.264, relating to habitual traffic
  161  offenders.
  162         4. Whether the driver is the registered owner or coowner of
  163  the vehicle.
  164         (b) If the arresting officer finds in the affirmative as to
  165  all of the criteria in paragraph (a), the officer shall
  166  immediately impound or immobilize the vehicle.
  167         (b)(c) Within 7 business days after the date the vehicle is
  168  impounded arresting agency impounds or immobilizes the vehicle,
  169  either the law enforcement arresting agency or the towing
  170  service, whichever is in possession of the vehicle, shall send
  171  notice pursuant to s. 713.78 by certified mail to any
  172  coregistered owners of the vehicle other than the person who was
  173  cited, to the traffic violations bureau, arrested and to each
  174  person of record claiming a lien against the vehicle. All costs
  175  and fees for the impoundment or immobilization, including the
  176  cost of notification, must be paid by the owner of the vehicle
  177  or, if the vehicle is leased, by the person leasing the vehicle.
  178         (c)(d)Either The law enforcement arresting agency or the
  179  towing service, whichever is in possession of the vehicle, shall
  180  determine whether any vehicle impounded or immobilized under
  181  this section has been leased or rented or if there are any
  182  persons of record with a lien upon the vehicle. Either The law
  183  enforcement arresting agency or the towing service, whichever is
  184  in possession of the vehicle, shall send notice pursuant to s.
  185  713.78 notify by express courier service with receipt or
  186  certified mail within 7 business days after the date of the
  187  immobilization or impoundment of the vehicle, to the registered
  188  owner and all persons having a recorded lien against the vehicle
  189  that the vehicle has been impounded or immobilized. A lessor,
  190  rental car company, or lienholder may then obtain the vehicle,
  191  upon payment of any lawful towing or storage charges. If the
  192  vehicle is a rental vehicle subject to a written contract, the
  193  charges may be separately charged to the renter, in addition to
  194  the rental rate, along with other separate fees, charges, and
  195  recoupments disclosed on the rental agreement. If the storage
  196  facility fails to provide timely notice to a lessor, rental car
  197  company, or lienholder as required by this paragraph, the
  198  storage facility shall be responsible for payment of any towing
  199  or storage charges necessary to release the vehicle to a lessor,
  200  rental car company, or lienholder that accrue after the notice
  201  period, which charges may then be assessed against the driver of
  202  the vehicle if the vehicle was lawfully impounded or
  203  immobilized.
  204         (d)(e) Except as provided in paragraph (c) (d), the vehicle
  205  shall remain impounded or immobilized for any period imposed by
  206  the court until payment of the applicable impoundment surcharge
  207  required under s. 318.18 and:
  208         1. The person retrieving the vehicle owner presents to the
  209  law enforcement agency proof of a valid driver’s license, proof
  210  of ownership of the vehicle or written consent by the owner
  211  authorizing release to the person, and proof of insurance to the
  212  arresting agency; or
  213         2. The owner presents to the law enforcement agency proof
  214  of sale of the vehicle to the arresting agency and the buyer
  215  presents proof of insurance to the arresting agency.
  216  
  217  If proof is not presented within 35 days after the impoundment
  218  or immobilization, a lien shall be placed upon such vehicle
  219  pursuant to s. 713.78.
  220         (e)(f) The owner of a vehicle that is impounded or
  221  immobilized under this subsection may, within 10 days after the
  222  date the owner has knowledge of the location of the vehicle,
  223  file a complaint in the county in which the owner resides to
  224  determine whether the vehicle was wrongfully taken or withheld.
  225  Upon the filing of a complaint, the owner or lienholder may have
  226  the vehicle released by posting with the court a bond or other
  227  adequate security equal to the amount of the costs and fees for
  228  impoundment or immobilization, including towing or storage, to
  229  ensure the payment of such costs and fees if the owner or
  230  lienholder does not prevail. When the vehicle owner or
  231  lienholder does not prevail on a complaint that the vehicle was
  232  wrongfully taken or withheld, he or she must pay the accrued
  233  charges for the immobilization or impoundment, including any
  234  towing and storage charges assessed against the vehicle. When
  235  the bond is posted and the fee is paid as set forth in s. 28.24,
  236  the clerk of the court shall issue a certificate releasing the
  237  vehicle. At the time of release, after reasonable inspection,
  238  the owner must give a receipt to the towing or storage company
  239  indicating any loss or damage to the vehicle or to the contents
  240  of the vehicle.
  241         (f)Notwithstanding any other provision of this section,
  242  the court shall order the release of the vehicle from
  243  impoundment if the court finds undue hardship to a family
  244  relying upon use of the vehicle without any other means of
  245  private transportation.
  246         (7)(9)(a) A motor vehicle that is driven by a person under
  247  the influence of alcohol or drugs in violation of s. 316.193 is
  248  subject to seizure and forfeiture under ss. 932.701-932.706 and
  249  is subject to liens for recovering, towing, or storing vehicles
  250  under s. 713.78 if, at the time of the offense, the person’s
  251  driver’s license is suspended, revoked, or canceled as a result
  252  of a prior conviction for driving under the influence.
  253         (b) The law enforcement officer shall notify the Department
  254  of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles of any impoundment or
  255  seizure for violation of paragraph (a) in accordance with
  256  procedures established by the department.
  257         (c) Notwithstanding s. 932.703(1)(c) or s. 932.7055, when
  258  the seizing agency obtains a final judgment granting forfeiture
  259  of the motor vehicle under this section, 30 percent of the net
  260  proceeds from the sale of the motor vehicle shall be retained by
  261  the seizing law enforcement agency and 70 percent shall be
  262  deposited in the General Revenue Fund for use by regional
  263  workforce boards in providing transportation services for
  264  participants of the welfare transition program. In a forfeiture
  265  proceeding under this section, the court may consider the extent
  266  that the family of the owner has other public or private means
  267  of transportation.
  268         (8)(10)(a) Notwithstanding any other provision of this
  269  section, if a person does not have a prior forcible felony
  270  conviction as defined in s. 776.08, the procedures penalties
  271  provided in paragraph (b) apply if a person’s driver’s license
  272  or driving privilege is canceled, suspended, or revoked for:
  273         1. Failing to pay child support as provided in s. 322.245
  274  or s. 61.13016;
  275         2. Failing to pay any other financial obligation as
  276  provided in s. 322.245 other than those specified in s.
  277  322.245(1);
  278         3. Failing to comply with a civil penalty required in s.
  279  318.15;
  280         4. Failing to maintain vehicular financial responsibility
  281  as required by chapter 324;
  282         5. Failing to comply with attendance or other requirements
  283  for minors as set forth in s. 322.091; or
  284         6. Having been designated a habitual traffic offender under
  285  s. 322.264(1)(d) as a result of suspensions of his or her
  286  driver’s license or driver privilege for any underlying
  287  violation listed in subparagraphs 1.-5.
  288         (b)1. Upon a first conviction for knowingly driving while
  289  his or her license is suspended, revoked, or canceled for any of
  290  the underlying violations listed in subparagraphs (a)1.-6., a
  291  person commits a misdemeanor of the second degree, punishable as
  292  provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083.
  293         2. Upon a second or subsequent conviction for the same
  294  offense of knowingly driving while his or her license is
  295  suspended, revoked, or canceled for any of the underlying
  296  violations listed in subparagraphs (a)1.-6., a person commits a
  297  misdemeanor of the first degree, punishable as provided in s.
  298  775.082 or s. 775.083.
  299         (b)(11)(a) A person who does not hold a commercial driver’s
  300  license and who is cited for an offense of knowingly driving
  301  while his or her license is suspended, revoked, or canceled for
  302  any of the underlying violations listed in paragraph (10)(a)
  303  may, in lieu of payment of fine or court appearance, elect to
  304  enter a plea of nolo contendere and provide proof of compliance
  305  to the clerk of the court, designated official, or authorized
  306  operator of a traffic violations bureau. In such case,
  307  adjudication shall be withheld and the clerk of the court,
  308  designated official, or authorized operator of a traffic
  309  violations bureau shall issue a certificate releasing the
  310  vehicle upon payment of the cost of towing and storing the
  311  vehicle. However, no election shall be made under this
  312  subsection if such person has made an election under this
  313  subsection during the preceding 12 months. A person may not make
  314  more than three elections under this subsection.
  315         (c)(b) If adjudication is withheld under paragraph (b) (a),
  316  such action is not a conviction.
  317         Section 4. This act shall take effect July 1, 2011.

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