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Bill

H 1936

An Act relative to offenses while driving on a non-administrative license suspension

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Ted Philips

Massachusetts bill establishing criminal penalties for driving on non-administrative license suspensions to enhance road safety enforcement and deter unlicensed driving violations.

Accompanied a new draft, see H4998
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Bill Summary · H 1936

Legislative bill overview

H. 1936 creates or modifies criminal penalties for driving while operating under a non-administrative license suspension in Massachusetts. The bill distinguishes between administrative suspensions (typically automatic, issued by the Registry of Motor Vehicles) and other types of license suspensions, establishing specific offense categories and potential penalties for violations of the latter category.

Why is this important

License suspension enforcement affects public safety by deterring dangerous drivers from operating vehicles. This bill clarifies the legal consequences for driving on certain types of suspended licenses, potentially addressing gaps in existing law or creating stricter penalties to improve compliance. The distinction between administrative and non-administrative suspensions could significantly impact how courts handle these offenses.

Potential points of contention

  • Definition clarity: The term "non-administrative license suspension" may be ambiguous—it could include court-ordered suspensions, suspensions for unpaid fines, or other categories, creating uncertainty about which suspensions fall under enhanced penalties
  • Proportionality concerns: Critics may argue that criminalizing driving on non-administrative suspensions disproportionately affects low-income drivers who cannot afford legal representation or alternative transportation
  • Enforcement disparities: Implementation could vary across jurisdictions, potentially leading to inconsistent application and unequal treatment of offenders

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

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