Proposed Separate License Plates for DUI Drivers

By Connect Mason Reporter Rebecca Sizemore.

Virginia Delegate Lionel Spruill is proposing to put special license plates on the cars of drivers with three or more DUI convictions.

Prompted by a drunk driving accident resulting in a death in Chesapeake, VA, Spruill introduced the bill last year as well, but it was rejected by the committee. Spruill is reintroducing it with only minor changes. According to Spruill, a license suspension isn't enough.

"So what?" Spruill said. "They're still driving."

With the proposed bill, however, those convicted of a DUI would not only have their licenses suspended, but their plates taken as well. When they regain their licenses, they would be required to equip their cars with yellow license plates with red lettering.

Spruill said that having such plates would be an "Embarrassment to you and your family."

The plates would serve as an alarm to other drivers as well, allowing them to give wide berth to drivers who pose the threat of reckless endangerment, or report the presence of a known offender at a bar.

"All we're trying to do is save a life," said Spruill.