Driving Privileges Cards, by Liliana Martinez

The Driving Privilege Card (DPC) was first introduced in 2005, when driver licenses were restricted only to US citizens. The reason for the introduction of DPCs was to allow these immigrants to be able to drive, but most importantly to be able to obtain automobile insurance. This was in order to make sure that all drivers were safe. The DPC does not allow an individual to use the card as a form of identification, and the sole purpose of the card is to be used for driving.

But since 2005, the public and politicians have been discussing whether undocumented immigrants should be able to obtain them or not. Ronald Mortensen, of the Utah Coalition on Illegal Immigration, stated that federal law prohibits “enticing or encouraging illegal aliens to reside in the United States,” which he says the cards do. Senator Urquhart said that, “It puts a big welcome sign to illegal aliens.” He even thinks that immigrants from other states are taking advantage of this opportunity, because only a birth certificate is needed to get the DPC, and stated, “I think it’s time we ended this practice.” However, with the current regulations in place to obtain a DPC, it is very hard for someone who has not been living in the state to even be considered eligible for the card without proving their residency in the state.

Senator Urquhart, introduced Senate Bill (SB) 138, which would have ultimately repealed DPC. If SB 138 had passed it would have meant that approximately 41,000 people would be unable to obtain insurance and be unable to drive.

SB 138 was recently substituted, however, and as it stands it will allow individuals to obtain a DPC. Unfortunately, once again the requirements will change and it will require individuals to submit fingerprints information when applying for a DPC. Fingerprints will then be submitted to Bureau of Criminal Identification. Although it is important to check for anyone who is a criminal, it is unjust to assume that all undocumented immigrants living in Utah are criminals. When asking a US citizen about their thoughts on this issue, Jarred Martinez said that submitting fingerprints just to drive is ridiculous. A member of Somos Republicanos thinks that to do this goes further than wearing a Star of David like in the Nazi regime, which DPCs have already been compared to. An applicant of the DPC said, “To cross the border line for a better life is a civil offense, not a criminal or felony. But this is treating humans like second-class citizens, they like to say they are compassionate, but what they are really saying is we have the power to manipulate your life and we are going to do it.

If this is implemented, it will be hard for me to chose whether I give in to their power or chose my will to lively freely, without being treated as less than them..”

Senator Urquhart, believes that immigrants should not be able to obtain a DPC, because they really don’t need it to obtain insurance, which is the main reason it is given to undocumented immigrants. Although it is possible for drivers obtain insurance with driver license from another country. It is also true that, it is impossible for drivers to obtain insurance if their licenses have expired because of an individuals overstay, and are unable to go back and renew it.

In the last days of legislation SB138 was substituted, and the final version was SB 138 Substitute 5, which ultimately was voted for and is currently sitting on the governors desk waiting to be signed.