Measure To Protect Drivers’ Records Delayed Lawmakers Have Until Fall To Meet Federal Law To Keep Information From Public, Businesses

To meet a federal requirement, Idaho lawmakers must enact a law by mid-September protecting drivers’ license records from unwanted release to the general public and for commercial purposes.

The state could face a fine of $5,000 per day if it doesn’t act by a Sept. 13 deadline.

Members of the House Transportation and Defense Committee were asked on Thursday to approve introduction of a measure that would allow drivers to declare they don’t want personal information released.

But members decided to delay action until Jan. 24 to see if it is possible to reverse the thrust of the legislation - closing the information to the public unless drivers specifically asked that it be open.

Advertisers often prepare mailing lists from driver’s license or vehicle registration records. Companies, such as tire dealers, can target their ads to people who own vehicles.

The Transportation Department’s Ed Pemble told lawmakers that under a federal 1994 law, Idaho must protect information on driver license records from public access by this fall.

The restrictions would apply to requests from individuals, surveys or marketing solicitations, or other commercial use.

Some companies, such as insurance firms, and police and others still would have access to information on accidents and driving violations.

A driver could forbid disclosure, except to authorized agencies and groups, of his or her picture, Social Security number, driver’s license number, name and address.

Pemble said there are few restrictions now on the information an individual can obtain simply by asking.

Boise attorney Allen Derr, representing the Idaho Press Club, urged a delay in the legislation, because it could have a big effect on news organizations.

“We’re concerned it appears to be a dramatic change in the availability of public records,” he said.

After the meeting, Derr added that he is researching a Minnesota law with similar restrictions but with an exemption for the news media. “We have reason to be very concerned,” he said.

Rep. Frank Bruneel, R-Lewiston, and Rep. Tim Ridinger, R-Shoshone, suggested reversing the legislation. Pemble said he’d have to do some research to see if that would meet the federal requirement.

Bruneel said sometimes businesses have legitimate reasons to seek information about people.