New Mexico lifts debt-based suspensions of driver’s licenses for 100,000 residents

SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico’s motor vehicle division has lifted the suspension of driver’s licenses for more than 100,000 residents under new anti-poverty legislation. An agency overseeing taxation and motor vehicles announced the changes Wednesday. At least 23 other states have taken similar steps to end debt-based suspensions of driver’s licenses that can make it harder for individuals to pay off debts and care for their families. License suspensions also have been cleared for more than 160,000 out-of-state drivers with New Mexico citations. Bipartisan legislation signed by Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham ends the widespread practice of suspending driver’s licenses for failure to pay a fine or failure to appear in court.