Plain English Breakdown
The official text does not list every specific vehicle code violation covered, referring instead to existing laws that require points for conviction.
Misdemeanor Diversion and Driving Record Points
This law requires courts to notify the DMV when a misdemeanor case involving driving violations is dismissed after diversion, so that points are still added to the driver's record.
What This Bill Does
- Requires prosecutors to send notice of an arrest or incident to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) if a court grants diversion for offenses that would normally require sending a conviction abstract.
- Directs courts to tell the DMV about dismissed misdemeanor cases involving violations where points are required on driving records.
- Mandates the DMV to add applicable violation points to a driver's record after receiving notice from the court or prosecutor regarding these diverted cases.
Who It Names or Affects
- Defendants in misdemeanor cases who receive diversion instead of a conviction for specific vehicle code violations
- Courts and prosecutors handling eligible vehicle code violations
- The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)
Terms To Know
- Diversion
- A program where a judge offers to dismiss the case if the defendant completes specific terms and conditions, instead of entering a conviction.
- Violation points
- Marks added to a driver's record by the DMV that can lead to license suspension or revocation if too many accumulate after certain convictions.
Limits and Unknowns
- The bill applies only to violations where existing law already requires points for conviction, such as driving under the influence or vehicular manslaughter.
- Reimbursement for local costs depends on a future determination by the Commission on State Mandates.