Originally Posted by
K'Tesh
Just an idea...
When legally purchasing a gun in the U.S., you have to go through a background check. I believe that it takes about 2 weeks before you can pick up the weapon, presuming you are clear to do so.
Why not do that with cars? Make the buyer pay for a background check (pays for the administration, and puts something into a insurance fund for victims of uninsured/under-insured drivers). The results of the check are put into a national directory that is only good for say..... X months.
DUI's and other serious driving incidents (suspended licences, reckless driving, etc) red flag the driver (voiding the remainder of X months). Legal forfeiture of driving privileges will automatically be posted. Attempts to circumvent the system result in longer (perhaps permanent) loss of driving privileges.
Make sure that there are clear methods to appeal the red flag (for those victims of ID theft).
Well when you purchase a car, you have to present your drivers license. The possession of a drivers license should indicate whether you had a suspended licences, reckless driving, DUI, etc... Now if only we can get the existing laws enforced and have judges willing to actually take away a drivers license in the event of a poor driving record... vice sending DUIs back out on the road, etc.
The thing is far too many people, including judges feel that driving is a right, not the privilege it actually is... fix that problem, and the rest will take care of itself.