Bill aims to help illegal immigrants keep their cars at checkpoints

Illegal immigrants will no longer have to fear losing their vehicles during routine traffic stops if a bill passed by the Assembly becomes law.

AB1993 would allow people caught driving without a license to call a licensed driver to retrieve their vehicle.

Democratic Assemblywoman Fiona Ma, of San Francisco, said she wrote the bill so that illegal immigrants will no longer have to give up their cars because they cannot pay hefty impound fees.

Several Republican lawmakers spoke against the bill. Assemblyman Tim Donnelly of Twin Peaks said it would encourage immigrants to skirt the law and could lead to more traffic deaths.

A handful of cities, including San Francisco, have already adopted similar impound policies.

The bill passed 46-24 Thursday and moves to the Senate.