Anyone who has had their driver’s license suspended for a time after a DUI conviction or even having too many points on their driving record may feel like it’s only too easy to lose your driving privileges in California.
A recent investigation by the nonprofit, nonpartisan news organization CalMatters, however, found that many people who have committed serious driving offenses – specifically vehicular manslaughter — are allowed to continue driving legally. Some take even more lives. Vehicular manslaughter adds just two points to a person’s driving record and doesn’t require a license suspension, unlike a DUI.
CalMatters studied vehicular manslaughter cases from 2019 to 2024. Let’s look at some key findings.
The role of the DMV
The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) has the authority to suspend driver’s licenses and reissue them. However, it “often takes no action against drivers convicted of killing someone on the road.”
Under California law, a driver convicted of felony vehicular manslaughter must lose their license for at least three years. However, that’s not the case for most misdemeanor convictions. The DMV has the authority to decide for those offenses.
The investigation found that:
- Almost 200 drivers with misdemeanor vehicle convictions but no record of a driver’s license suspension.
- The DMV “issued licenses to 150 drivers less than a year after they allegedly killed someone on the road.”
- Almost 400 drivers “charged with killing someone got a ticket or were in another collision — or both — after their fatal crash.”
- “Hundreds of drivers have vehicular manslaughter or related convictions that don’t appear in DMV records.”
Generally, when Californians engage in activity that is both a criminal offense and a driving infraction, they have to deal with both the state justice system and the DMV. It seems that the two are not always on the same page when it comes to someone losing their driving privileges. Too often, this can result in even more – and potentially worse – harm to others.
Those who have to deal with the aftermath of a crash caused by a driver who killed with their vehicle before can feel added anger and frustration. While the at-fault driver will likely face criminal legal issues, they still can be held civilly liable for medical bills, funeral expenses and other losses and damages. Having experienced legal guidance can help you seek justice and compensation.