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Bill would let drivers delay paying some motor-vehicle fines up to 180 days; sponsor says it avoids court backlog
Summary
Representative Dan Vayu told the Senate Transportation Committee that House Bill 3 21 would allow some drivers to delay paying certain motor-vehicle fines for up to 90 days — with an option to extend another 90 days by notifying the DMV — instead of facing a mandatory court appearance or immediate license suspension.
Representative Dan Vayu introduced House Bill 3 21 to the Senate Transportation Committee, saying the bill would give some people extra time to pay motor-vehicle fines without a court appearance. "This bill provides drivers with additional time to pay certain fines and for motor vehicle violations, without requiring court appearance or undue financial hardship," Representative Dan Vayu told the committee.
Vayu said the change is intended to prevent a cycle of debt and license suspensions for people who live paycheck to paycheck. Under current practice, he said, a ticket requires a 30-day payment window and, if the driver cannot make that payment, the case can proceed toward court and suspension. "This bill would allow up to a 90 day payment period for people who have no outstanding fines or violations on their record. It does not eliminate fines or dismiss penalties. It just allows drivers to avoid getting into a cycle of debt and license suspensions," Vayu said.
Why it matters: Vayu argued the change keeps routine payment extensions handled administratively by the Division of Motor Vehicles instead of using court resources, and it gives people time to manage childcare and work constraints without stopping their income. He said in extremis a driver could ask the DMV for a further 90-day extension, allowing up to 180 days total.
Committee members asked practical questions about the size of the typical fine and enforcement. Senator McCaughn asked whether the bill would primarily help small fines; Vayu replied most fines discussed were "under $200" and that the proposal targets people living paycheck to paycheck. Committee members also asked how the longer window would be enforced; Vayu said the same enforcement mechanisms that apply now would remain in place and that many people who can pay will do so sooner rather than later.
Public comment: One person, Mike Franklin, submitted written testimony in favor but did not speak. No members of the public asked to speak during the hearing.
What it does not do: The bill does not reduce or waive fines, Vayu emphasized, and it does not automatically dismiss citations. Instead it changes where an extension is requested and handled — shifting more routine extensions to the DMV rather than a court proceeding.
Next steps: The committee closed the hearing after questions and public comment. No committee vote or amendment was recorded in the hearing transcript.
