By Mark Puente, The Marshall Project and Tara Morgan, News 5 Cleveland
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Theresa Smith never knew she was driving with a suspended license until she tried renewing her vehicle registration in 2021. The suspension came after a friend borrowed her car without permission and crashed, making her financially responsible. It also triggered two license suspensions for Smith and a state mandate to purchase high-risk insurance for a $3,300 annual premium. It all proved too rich for the Shaker Heights retiree and her roughly $1,000 monthly Social Security benefit. Smith was forced into bankruptcy, the effects of which linger today. “I was facing impossible choices,” said Smith, 65. “I either had to drive to work or lose my job. But even still, I am having a hard time financially. My credit is ruined.”
Relief appears on the way for Smith and more than a million Ohio drivers who can’t legally drive because of debt-related suspensions. After a Marshall Project – Cleveland and WEWS News 5 investigation published in August, Ohio legislators and advocacy groups expanded a proposed law to help hundreds of thousands of additional drivers restore their licenses. The proposal, which has broad support among both parties, is working its way through the Ohio Senate. It will help eliminate fines and fees that have triggered license suspensions for offenses such as failing to show proof of insurance or missing child support payments.