New Senate Bill Would Crack Down On Unpaid Parking Tickets

By Chris Wright, The News On 6

UNDATED -- Oklahoma motorists may no longer be able to drive off with unpaid parking and traffic tickets. If a new Senate bill becomes law, delinquent drivers may have no choice but to pay up.

If passed, the bill in the Oklahoma Legislature would require drivers to pay off any outstanding tickets or warrants before being issued new license plates. It may also drive up revenue for the state, as well as tag agencies.

"Many times if you're going to block them from getting a tag, and they have to go back down to the city hall or back over to the sheriff's office, many times they don't know where to go. So if it's all here, we can help them with that," said Anne Jones, a motor license agent.

But that would mean you would have to settle your debts before getting your tags. So if this bill does become law, before you trade in the old license plate and exchange it for a new one, you would have to make sure all those unpaid parking tickets are actually paid off.

Tag agents say the new responsibilities would require more resources and training, but point out that forcing people to pay their fines means more money for everyone.

"That's why we would be interested in helping out if we can. In this economy, we understand that cities and counties all need the money, and we're willing to participate to help out," said Jones.

That extra revenue may come with a cost. Jones says many drivers already aren't in a great mood when they visit her tag agency, and forcing them to pay tickets probably won't brighten their day.

"So if I come in to get a tag and I can't get one, am I going to be upset and obnoxious with the tag agency? We're kind of an easy person to kick," said Jones.

The Tulsa City Council approved a resolution this past week that supports the proposed bill. As for the bill's status, the state legislature has sent it back to committee for now.