Give It the Green Light

The New York State Legislature is considering a bill that would permit undocumented immigrants to apply for standard driver’s licenses. I support this legislation because it would be good for the entire community. 

The Driver’s License Access and Privacy Act (or Green Light bill) that the Legislature is now reviewing would allow undocumented New Yorkers to apply for valid standard driver’s licenses, for use only for the operation of a motor vehicle. Undocumented New Yorkers would not be eligible for enhanced or “real ID” driver’s licenses. The standard license cannot be used for any federal purpose such as boarding a domestic flight, entering the United States from a foreign country, or entering a federal building or military base. The words “Not for Federal Purposes” must be boldly displayed on the face of the document.

Undocumented applicants would be required to follow the same criteria as other applicants for standard licenses, including taking a driver education course, passing a road test, requiring proof of New York State residency, and providing proof of identification. As many as 265,000 people in the state would finally be able to apply for licenses under this law, including more than 51,000 on Long Island. That means tens of thousands of properly trained and tested drivers on the roads.

Today, there are 12 states, along with Puerto Rico and Washington, D.C., that have passed similar laws allowing undocumented immigrants to obtain driver’s licenses. In New Mexico and Utah, rates of uninsured driving dropped dramatically as thousands of new drivers were able to legally purchase, register, and insure their vehicles. In California, residents saved millions of dollars per year in uncompensated property damage costs from hit-and-run accidents. In New Mexico, the number of annual fatal traffic accidents fell sharply.

Many in law enforcement support the concept of the bill because it would enhance public safety. The prime Assembly sponsor of the legislation has committed to working with law enforcement officials to ensure that the legislation would not impede their ability to enforce state vehicle and traffic laws, while still protecting the privacy of undocumented licensees. A valid driver’s license allows our police officers to verify the identity of motorists during routine traffic stops and makes it easier for undocumented witnesses or victims to talk to officers.

By requiring the same criteria as other motorists for obtaining driver’s licenses, undocumented immigrants would have the proper education, training, and insurance to safely operate vehicles, thereby greatly improving public safety for other drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians. It is estimated that this improvement in public safety would translate into an average $17 reduction in insurance costs per policy per year.

Living without a car is almost impossible on Long Island. Too many residents live in areas that have limited public transit with few trains or buses that are accessible, leaving undocumented New Yorkers with no way to meet simple daily needs — like commuting to work or getting kids to school — without driving unlicensed.

Our local economy depends on immigrants being economically self-sufficient. When residents can purchase and register cars legally, they are able to more fully participate in the community and patronize local businesses. Long Island’s county governments alone are expected to bring in $2.6 million every year in new sales tax and vehicle use fees. The state would receive an estimated $57 million in new annual revenue, according to data from the Fiscal Policy Institute.

This legislation improves public safety, saves drivers insurance premiums and bolsters the local economy, and provides new revenues to state and local government. It is sound public policy that benefits everyone.

Assemblyman Fred W. Thiele Jr., a Sag Harbor native with an office in Bridgehampton, is a co-sponsor of the Green Light bill.