License restoration program a hike for southern Windsor

By Shawn Cunningham
© 2015 Telegraph Publishing LLC

A one-day program to restore driving privileges to Windsor County residents who have had licenses suspended for not paying traffic tickets was announced Monday, Nov. 23 by Gov. Peter Shumlin in a press conference in Woodstock.

Dubbed “Driver Restoration Day,” the program will take place from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 11 at the state office building at 118 Prospect St. in White River Junction.

“No one is served by a system where Vermonters who cannot afford to pay traffic tickets are faced with the decision of breaking the law and risking increased fines in order to drive to work to earn a living … stuck in a cycle of ballooning  fees and fines that they’ll never be able to pay,” said Shumlin in a statement.

Since only licensed operators can purchase auto insurance, it is also hoped that the re-instatements lead to more insured motorists.

The program is a collaboration of the Windsor County State’s Attorney’s office, the Judicial Bureau and the Agency of Transportation, Department of Motor Vehicles.

This is the second such event held this year. The pilot program drew more than 1,200 residents of Chittenden, Lamoille, Franklin, Grand Isle and Washington counties to Chittenden County where more than 6,700 tickets were reduced and the state collected nearly $150,000. According to the governor’s office, some tickets were decades old.

The program is open to all residents of Windsor County and those who have received tickets in Windsor County. Participants pay $25 per ticket for each outstanding and delinquent ticket (more than 75 days past due) to have the reinstatement of their licenses processed. That may take several weeks depending on the number of people who respond to the program.

Licenses suspended for DUI and other serious offenses are not eligible. The program does not accept appointments so participants should be prepared for long wait times.  Participants should be prepared to supply their name, date of birth, license number, ticket numbers, ticket locations and a phone number. They should be prepared to pay by check or money order. Cash will not be accepted.

With White River Junction as much as 50 miles from some parts of Windsor County, The Telegraph asked the governor’s office, in a large area like Windsor County, and with participants unable to drive to the program, why was only one site chosen and why was it not more centrally located.

“The logistics of setting this take a big effort by all involved,” wrote Scott Coriell, Shumlin’s deputy chief of staff. “ … We’re hopeful that with advance notice individuals will be able to arrange for transit to and from WRJ from family or friends. We’re pleased to be able to offer this opportunity and appreciate people’s patience and understanding if wait times are long.”