Life on Hold: The Real Impact of Driver’s License Suspensions

Life on Hold is a three-part webinar series examining how driver’s license suspensions in North Carolina reverberate far beyond the roadway. In our state, if someone fails to pay a fine for a traffic infraction or does not show up for their court date, their license is suspended. License suspensions can set off a cascade of consequences that touch nearly every aspect of daily life, including work, family, housing, and health care, and often further push people into more involvement with the legal system.

This webinar series looks at the real impacts of suspensions by talking to people who have been through the experience, taking a closer look at why people don't show up to court, and examining alternate strategies other states have used to promote court appearance.

Part 1: Voices from the Ground: How License Suspensions Disrupt Daily Life

Thursday, February 19th, 12pm. Register here.

This opening session features people directly impacted by driver’s license suspensions. Panelists will share how losing the ability to drive affected employment, family responsibilities, health care access, and day-to-day survival, revealing the human costs that rarely show up in statutes or court records. Moderated by Lauren Robbins, Litigation Paralegal, ACLU of North Carolina, who was also impacted by driver's license suspension

Part 2: Why People Don’t Appear—and What Happens When They Don’t

Thursday, March 19th, 12pm. Register here.

This webinar takes a deep dive into “failure to appear,” a leading driver of license suspensions. Speakers will explore why people miss court dates—from logistical barriers and lack of notice to fear and confusion—and how the consequences of nonappearance often compound financial instability and system involvement rather than promote compliance.

Part 3: From Punishment to Prevention: What Other States Are Doing Differently

Thursday, April 23rd, 12pm. Register here.

The final session will examine strategies states and localities are using to encourage court appearance and compliance without resorting to license suspension. Panelists will discuss policy reforms and practical alternatives—such as reminder systems, flexible scheduling, and fee reductions—that improve outcomes for individuals while supporting public safety and court efficiency.