Should repeat drunk drivers have the opportunity to get their driving privileges back? That was the question before the Illinois House this week.
Under the state’s current laws, drivers with four DUI convictions permanently lose their license. Many think that the punishment fits the (repeated) crime and helps keep drunk drivers off the road. And Illinois’s law is certainly not unique. A number of states impose a temporary or permanent loss of driving privileges after drunk-driving convictions.
But after hearing from one of her constituents who lost his license, Illinois Rep. Elaine Nekritz introduced a “redemption” bill that would allow serial drunk drivers to get a limited permit that would enable them to drive to and from work. In an interview with the Chicago Tribune, Nekritz said, “I listened to his story. I went with him to his AA facility, and he proved to me that he turned his life around. How do you say ‘no’ to a man who has changed and is just trying to be a better person?”
Nekritz argued that the bill would enable offenders to work—a key part of getting their lives back on track. And the law would have strict guidelines to limit permits to offenders who have proven they have changed. It requires a 5-year waiting period, successful completion of rehab, and an appeal to the secretary of state.
The bill and the controversy around it highlight the challenges of sanctioning and rehabilitating hardcore drunk drivers. Repeat offenders are often undeterred by fines, penalties, or jail—and many continue to drive after losing their license. In most cases, hardcore drunk drivers require true behavior change to stop reoffending. Bills like this one can give these individuals a way to reintegrate into society, but jurisdictions struggle to balance giving offenders a second (third, fourth, fifth) chance with public safety.
For now, the Illinois bill is on hold. The House voted it down, but Nekritz has the option to reintroduce it in the future if she can gather more support.
Should repeat drunk drivers permanently lose their license, or should those who change their ways be given an opportunity to get back behind the wheel?
