Proposed Law: Hit-and-Run Driver Should Lose License

A proposed law would require automatic suspension of a driver's license in the event of any hit-and-run crash

A bill proposing hit-and-run drivers lose their licenses as punishment cleared committee Tuesday.

Assemblymember Mike Gatto (D) sponsors the bill AB 1532 that suggests the punishment for a hit-and-run driver who doesn’t stop after striking a pedestrian should be automatic suspension of the driver’s license.

The law would apply even if the victim’s injuries were minor.

The Assembly Public Safety Committee approved the proposed legislation 7-0.

The California Public Defenders Association argued against the proposal. The group says that under existing law, charges have been appropriate when there has been any injury, not matter how minor.

According to a San Diego criminal defense attorney, current law requires fines of about $1000-$1,200, 8 to 12 hours of Level II traffic school, and two points on a driver's record for a misdemeanor hit-and-run crash. There would likely be no immediate impact to your drivers license.

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