We stand in support of our City Councilman, Mitchell Englander, in opposing LAPD Chief Beck’s policy of not impounding vehicles that are driven by unlicensed drivers. The police are sworn to protect the safety of the people in the city and to enforce the laws fairly and uniformly.  It is clearly stated in the California Vehicle Code Division 6, Chapter 1, Article 1, section 12500. “(a) A person may not drive a motor vehicle upon a highway, unless the person then holds a valid driver's license issued under this code, except those persons who are expressly exempted under this code”.

  In addition, unlicensed drivers, other than those under suspension, will also be violating the state’s California Vehicle Code, Division 7, Financial Responsibility Laws that require every driver to carry written evidence of valid automobile liability insurance or other form of approved financial responsibility.

      Laws are enacted to protect and secure the lives of the residents and visitors to the city. The consequences of those laws are not written for the convenience of those who choose to violate them.

    We therefore, urge the Police Commission to oppose Chief Beck’s proposal of not impounding vehicles driven by unlicensed drivers and to remind the Chief that those drivers are violating 2 existing laws and are to be cited accordingly.