Senate Press Office
201 Paul D. Coverdell Legislative Office Building

18 Capitol Square

Atlanta, Georgia 30334

404.656.0028 or outside the Atlanta area 800.282.5803

PRESS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: For Information Contact:

May 14, 2008 Jeremy Arieh, Deputy Director
jeremy.arieh@senate.ga.gov

404.656.0028

Unlicensed driver bill signed into law

ATLANTA – Governor Sonny Perdue has signed legislation that increases penalties for those who drive without a license in Georgia. Sponsored by state Sen. John Wiles (R-Kennesaw), Senate Bill 350 is a response to the growing number of auto accidents, injuries and fatalities in our state caused by individuals who have never obtained a driver’s license.

“We have seen too many serious accidents caused by unlicensed drivers in this state, including a fatal collision in Marietta this year that involved an unlicensed driver,” said Sen. Wiles. “We must take action to curb this blatant disregard for the laws of our state, and I am pleased that Governor Perdue supports this effort to help save lives.”

SB 350 will increase the penalties for those found operating a vehicle without a valid driver’s license or on a suspended or revoked license. Under the new law, an individual found driving without being licensed or driving on a suspended, disqualified or revoked license could be sentenced to at least two days imprisonment for the first offense. Any second or third offense within five years, and that individual would be subject to at least ten days imprisonment and a fine of at least $1000. A fourth or subsequent offense within five years would be treated as a felony. The new penalties would not apply to those who accidentally leave a wallet or forget a purse at home, or those driving on an expired license.

“The lives of Georgians should not be put in jeopardy by people who fail to comply with state law, and this legislation is an important step in solving that problem,” added Sen. Wiles.

Today’s signing of SB 350 is the culmination of a two-year effort by Sen. Wiles to pass legislation to make Georgia’s highways and roads safer.

For more information on the Georgia State Senate, please visit www.senate.ga.gov.

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Sen. John Wiles represents the 37th Senate District, which includes a portion of Cobb County. He may be reached by phone at 404.657.0406