Proposal Would Require "Retraining" To Reinstate Suspended Licenses

State lawmakers want to make drivers who've had their licenses suspended complete a new class to get them back. It also comes with a fee that some consider too high.

The proposed course is different from state clinics that allow motorists to have points removed for traffic violations. Those are optional. Under a bill now making its way through the General Assembly, drivers who have their license suspended for certain offenses would have to take the 8-hour class.

It's for charges like excessive speeding or multiple moving violations. The goal is to provide retraining so drivers will commit fewer offenses.

Participants would also be charged up to $175. Critics have argued the cost is too high.

The House shot down an amendment that would have made the course optional.