2 weeks Ago By Michael Golson
SEVEN US states are moving to ban drivers with certain licence markings – and if caught they could face fines of $500 and even jail time.Certain drivers’ licenses will be under more scrutiny than ever under new laws in a number of locations.GettyCops in certain states will be keeping a closer look at certain drivers’ licenses[/caption]GettySeven states have pushed through greater scrutiny[/caption]According to India Today, licenses typically issued to undocumented immigrants could be banned from legally driving within the borders of certain states – in a bid to tighten immigration enforcement.
Supporters say the laws discourage unauthorized immigration and movement within individual states, but critics view the measures as harsh and discriminatory.There are even fears it could penalize innocent travelers unaware of the legal nuances.From May 7, the federal government will require REAL ID-compliant licenses for air travel or access to federal buildings.
However, states can continue issuing non-REAL ID licenses to undocumented residents who meet certain minimum requirements, such as passing a vision or driving test.But states like Florida, Wyoming, and Tennessee have introduced state-level restrictions, raising questions about fairness and discrimination.It also blurs the line between how far individual states can go in regulating immigration.
In 2023, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed a law barring recognition of licenses from states such as Connecticut and Delaware if they were issued to undocumented immigrants or marked to indicate a lack of legal status.It would even see drivers with one of these licenses in Florida risk fines or even jail.Florida’s DMV reiterated that specially marked licenses from Connecticut and Delaware are affected for now.
According to data, Connecticut has issued around 60,000 such “drive-only” licenses.The Associated Press reported recently that Tennessee’s governor is prepared to sign a similar bill.At least six other Republican-governed states—including Alabama, Montana, and New Hampshire—are also considering similar legislation.
Alabama lawmakers have even suggested adding signs to their highways to warn travelers of the restrictions.It comes as drivers in California now risk a hefty fine under a new parking law – as a generous grace period finally comes to an end.A ruling that requires drivers to park at least 20 feet away from crosswalks will finally be punishable by fines – although the new “daylighting” law, as it’s known, first came into effect on January 1.
In these months, efforts from law enforcement have focused on informing and warning people about the law.But now, violators could be fined $77.50 for parking too close to crosswalks at intersections.
Curbs around certain areas have been painted red to indicate the new parking restrictions.However, drivers should be aware of parking on both marked and unmarked crosswalks on the approach side of the road.New driving laws in 2025Drivers across the United States are having to adjust to a slew of new road rules that take effect in 2025.
Some of those include:Daylighting law prohibiting drivers from parking their cars within 20 feet of any crosswalk in CaliforniaStricter street racing penalties in CaliforniaChanges to car seat age and weight requirements in ColoradoFines for failing to follow designated enter and exit areas for express lanes in ColoradoBans on handheld devices while driving in Colorado and MissouriDrivers allowed to have a digital copy of their license on their cell phones in IllinoisYield right of way to emergency vehicles in IllinoisDrivers required to take a vision test to renew licenses in KentuckySchool bus safety law in OregonVehicle safety inspections scrapped in TexasGettyTennessee is one of the states moving to ban drivers with certain licence markings[/caption].
