6/1/06-A bill has died that would have allowed judges to require certain repeat drunken drivers to attach red license plates with the white letters “DUI” to their vehicles.
Sponsored by Assemblyman Ray Haynes, R-Murrieta, AB406 remained in the Senate Transportation and Housing Committee May 26, the deadline to advance to the chamber floor.
The bill would have permitted judges to use their discretion on whether the scarlet plates would be issued and for how long a convicted driver would have to drive with a red plate.
It also would have required a red plate for anyone who has two previous convictions, but only one of those convictions was for driving under the influence at double the legal limit.
California law now requires two-time DUI offenders face possible jail time, fines and fees, alcohol-abuse treatment, license sanctions or restrictions and community service.
The bill would have added the requirement that affected drivers pay $250 for the distinctive license plates for each vehicle the person owns or leases.

4/28/06-Assemblyman Ray Haynes, R-Murrieta, has reintroduced a bill that would allow judges to require certain repeat drunken drivers to attach red license plates with the white letters “DUI” to their vehicles.
Any earlier effort was killed in the Assembly Public Safety Committee that would have required offenders to keep the plates on their vehicles for two years, or for the duration of the person’s probation period, whichever was longer.
To make his legislation more palatable, Haynes’ revised bill – AB406 – would permit judges to use their discretion on whether the scarlet plates would be issued and for how long a convicted driver would have to drive with a red plate.
Another change to the bill would require a red plate for anyone who has two previous convictions, but only one of those convictions was for driving under the influence at double the legal limit.
California law now requires two-time DUI offenders face possible jail time, fines and fees, alcohol-abuse treatment, license sanctions or restrictions and community service.
The bill would add the requirement that affected drivers pay $250 for the distinctive license plates for each vehicle the person owns or leases.
It is in the Senate Transportation and Housing Committee. For Assembly bill status, call (916) 319-2856.