Driving while suspended is a growing problem in most American states. To deal with this problem a number of jurisdictions are impounding and/or immobilizing the vehicles of driving-while-suspended (DWS) or multiple driving-under-the-influence (DUI) offenders. This study evaluates the first two years of the implementation of this type of law in Franklin County (Columbus) Ohio. Variations in police enforcement and judicial sentencing policies resulted in some offenders who were eligible for impoundment or immobilization but did not receive the sanction. The recidivism rates of these offenders were compared with individuals who did receive a vehicle sanction. Tracking these two groups of offenders for up to two years two groups of offenders for up to two years demonstrated that the offenders who received the sanction had lower recidivism rates, both before and after they reclaimed their vehicles. (A)
Abstract