Evening star., 1952-03-06
Commissioners Study
Demerit Plan for
Violations by Drivers

The Commissioners today have
before them a new plan for the
revocation and suspension of driv-
ing permits.
The new system is patterned on
the Connecticut point system and
allows a motorist certain num-
ber of traffic violations before his
permit is suspended or revoked.
Under the present system, a
motorists permit can be suspend
ed for one infraction Of the regu-
lations, if the Board of Revocation
and Restoration of Motor Vehicle
Operators Permits sees fit.
The new plan was presented to
the Commissioners at the meeting
yesterday by Brig. Gen. Bernard l..
Robinson, Engineer Commissioner.
The new plan would abolish the
revocation board in favor of in
dividual hearing officers. with full
authority to issue warning letters,
conduct conferences, issue and
modify orders of suspension and
revocation of operators permits
and conduct hearings.
Vehicle Department Aides.
The hearing officers would be
paid members Of the Department
of Vehicles and Traffic. The new
setup would be known as the
Driver Improvement Section of the
Department of Vehicles and
Traffic.
Certain offenSes would bring
dement's of 10 points, calling for
mandatory revocation of permits.
These are leaving after colliding
Chit and run). reckless driving
operating after suspension or re-
vocation, obtaining or attempting
to obtain a permit by inisrepre-
Sentation, loaning or altering a
permit, neglient homicide, man
slaughter, assault by automobile
and driving under the influence
OF intoxicating liquor or drugs.
Under the plan, three points
would call for a warning letter
from the traffic department. i've
points would result in the motor
lists being called for a conference
with a hearing officer and seven
points, suspension.
Minor Infractions Rated.
Minor infractions would be
rated this way: Blocking inter-
section, one point; failing to give
proper signal, one point; any NOV
ing violation not contributing to
an accident, one point; passing
red light or stop sign, two points;
speeding, 10 to 20 miles over the
limit, three points; speeding more
than 20 miles over the limit, four
points; unreasonable speed, three
points, and physically or mentally
unqualified, seven points.
Violations contributing to acci-
dents with collateral forfeiture, or
fines amounting to less than $25,
would be rated at three points;
$25 to $40 inclusive, five points;
$50 to STA. six points, and SIS or
over, seven points.
No points would be retained for
longer than five years, and park
ing violations would not count
against a motorists record.
Could Request Hearing.
Whenever seven points had &C
cumulated, a suspension order ef-
fective five days after service on
the motorist would be issued. The
driver could request a hearing
within five days if he desires. If
he was given a hearing and the
order was sustained by a hearing
officer, the driver could appeal to
the Commissioners, after which he
could 60 to the courts.
The present board sits as an
appellate agency on its own de-
cisions. This is one Of the most
widely criticized aspects of the cur
rent Setup.
Under the present system, a per-
NIT that has been revoked may
not be renewed within six months,
except in cases of negligent homi-
eide or manslaughter, in which
cases time is two years. It is rec
commended that this practice be
continued.