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H 3792

An Act relative to license reinstatement fees for drivers without conviction

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Vanna Howard and 1 co-sponsor

Massachusetts bill eliminating license reinstatement fees for drivers suspended without criminal conviction, aiming to reduce financial barriers to legal driving restoration.

Bill reported favorably by committee and referred to the committee on House Ways and Means
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Bill Summary · H 3792

Legislative bill overview

H 3792 addresses license reinstatement fees for drivers whose licenses were suspended or revoked without a criminal conviction. The bill aims to reduce or eliminate fees for individuals seeking to restore driving privileges when no conviction occurred, potentially addressing situations involving administrative suspensions, civil violations, or cases where charges were dismissed.

Why is this important

Driver's license suspensions—even without conviction—can severely impact employment, healthcare access, and economic opportunity. Reinstatement fees compound this hardship by creating financial barriers to legal compliance. This bill targets fairness concerns around charging fees when guilt was never established.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost to state: Eliminating or reducing reinstatement fees reduces revenue for the Registry of Motor Vehicles and related transportation programs; fiscal impact analysis would clarify the magnitude
  • Scope ambiguity: The bill's definition of "without conviction" may need clarification—does it cover all administrative suspensions, license suspensions for unpaid fines, or only traffic-related suspensions?
  • Potential perverse incentives: Removing fees could theoretically incentivize some drivers to ignore suspension notices if reinstatement becomes consequence-free, or may be perceived as inconsistent if fees remain for other license actions

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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