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Committee hears bill to allow removal of temporary restricted driver licenses after repeat violations
Summary
Lawmakers heard testimony on a bill that would give the Department of Transportation authority to revoke temporary restricted licenses (TRLs) for repeated minor driving violations. DOT staff and constituents described how TRLs are used and how the proposed change would work; no formal action was taken.
Representative Matt Ruby, chairman of the House Transportation Committee, introduced a bill to allow the Department of Transportation to suspend or revoke temporary restricted driver licenses after repeated non‑major violations.
Supporters and DOT officials said TRLs — also called work permits — let people drive for work and essential purposes while serving a suspension for other offenses. Brad Schafer, director of Driver and Vehicle Services for the Department of Transportation, told the committee a TRL is typically issued to allow limited in‑state driving during a suspension and is distinct from a commercial driver’s license.
Schafer said the DOT issued just over 3,000 TRLs in 2024. Of those, about 818 individuals received at least one driving violation while on a TRL; 88 people had three or more violations, and 1 person had 12 violations. Under current practice, Schafer said, “if they get speeding tickets, any type of other violation, just driving, we don’t have anything in there to remove that currently,” though major violations such as another alcohol offense or cancellation of high‑risk insurance would trigger removal.
A constituent testifier described observing repeat offenders who continued to drive despite multiple stops. “I said, why wouldn’t you be able to take the work permit? He says he’s issued to the DOT,” the witness said, arguing that law enforcement cannot immediately revoke TRLs and must petition DOT in writing.
Committee members asked how long TRLs remain in effect and whether points are counted while someone holds a TRL. Schafer said the length of a TRL generally matches the length of the underlying suspension; alcohol suspensions can last months to a year depending on the offense. He clarified that alcohol violations typically do not carry points but that other moving violations while on a TRL do accrue points and count toward suspension thresholds.
Members also discussed a provision in the draft bill that would require payment of a $100 fee to obtain a TRL. Schafer said DOT does not charge for issuing TRLs today and suggested the committee and sponsor could address fee design during committee work. Several members asked DOT for examples from other states and additional statistics; Schafer said the department would research interstate practices and provide requested data.
The committee closed the hearing on the bill without taking a vote and signaled it would request additional information in follow‑up work.
