The DMV is set to start reinstating tens of thousands of suspended drivers’ licenses starting up this Friday. This is due to a recently enacted law here in Nevada named SB219, which is basically ending the practice of suspending someone's drivers license when they cannot afford to pay a fine or fee for smaller traffic or clerical infractions.

Over 38,000 Nevadans had their drivers’ licenses suspended for that reason between 2017 and 2019, which potentially meant more people on the road without a legal license.

“It's basically just a fresh start for people to clear their record so they are able to drive and drive legally on Nevada's roads," said Sean Sever, Deputy Administrator for the Nevada DMV.

This does not waive or reduce any existing fines though, it only clears the way for their license to be reinstated.

“The easy ones are just failure to pay fines or fees or driving while suspended. So if you just have a simple infraction like that on your record and you still have your driver’s license in your possession and it's not expired, you will be good to go on Friday," said Sever.

The group Fines and Fees Justice Center (FFJC) of Nevada, who were a driving force for this law, say this will not only allow the public the ability to go to work to afford to pay the existing fines, but will also have a positive effect on our local economy as a whole.        

"As we know here in Nevada, a driver’s license is pretty necessary for getting to work, we don't have the best public transportation," said Nick Shepack with FFJC. "For all the businesses out there, who are looking for employees, you just have about another 30,000 people added to the workforce."

“It takes the minor traffic offenses, right? So no DUI's or reckless driving, we are talking rolling though a stop sign or not having registration paid on the right date."

If your license is not in your possession or is expired, you will need to head into the DMV to resolve the matter and they will be sending out notices for those who qualify. As you can imagine, going through 33,000 suspensions may take some time.

"Just be patient with us is the main thing, there is no need to rush in on October first to visit the DMV," said Sever.

Unfortunately, the DMV still has over a month waiting time in Reno and in Carson City, so we would recommend making those appointments now if you need to obtain a new license.