Driving privileges lost? Seminar can help

Representatives of the Bureau of Motor Vehicles will be on hand.

By D.A. WILKINSON

VINDICATOR SALEM BUREAU

LISBON — Judge Carol A. Robb and Judge Mark A. Frost, both of Columbiana County Municipal Court, will host a seminar on how people can get driving privileges restored.

It is the second in a series of free public seminars designed to help county residents understand and deal with the legal system.

The two-hour course, “Get Legal & Get Your License,” will be at 2 p.m. June 22 at the court at 38832 Saltwell Road.

It will assist drivers with the various steps they can take to get their license back or to obtain limited driving privileges. The course will also include a short section on avoiding registration violations.

“We aren’t going to aid someone to get back on the road to be a menace to society,” Judge Frost said, “but there are plenty of drivers out there who made one little mistake, like forgetting to pay an insurance premium, who don’t realize that they can get legal again.”

Judge Robb said, “For example, many people cannot get their license because they owe hundreds or maybe thousands of dollars for BMV reinstatement fees. Under a law passed within the last couple years, we judges can now set up a fee payment plan for as little as fifty dollars a month and grant occupational privileges with proof of insurance.”

The judges noted that the seminar will be presented by two representatives from the Bureau of Motor Vehicles, with both judges present to help with questions.

First, get insurance

“Last year alone, we had about 530 cases involving driving under suspension or without a valid license,” Judge Robb said. “In most of these cases, the drivers did not have insurance. In order to get privileges again, drivers must always prove that they have insurance.”

Judge Frost added, “By getting drivers legal, we not only protect the public from uninsured drivers, but we can also free up valuable court resources to deal with other pressing cases like violent crimes and OVIs [operating a vehicle under the influence].”

Judge Robb said, “We encourage folks who have a legal problem to consult with an attorney, but if we can help people understand the system and avoid problems, then everyone benefits.”

Space at the seminar is limited to the first 40 reservations, which may be made by calling (330) 424-5326.