Temporary vehicle immobilization: Evaluation of a program in Ohio

Driving while suspended is a growing problem in most states. To deal with this problem, a number of jurisdictions are impounding and/or immobilizing the vehicles of driving while suspended or multiple driving under the influence offenders. This study evaluates the first 2 years of the implementation of this type of law in Franklin County (Columbus), OH. Variations in police enforcement and judicial sentencing policies resulted in some offenders, though eligible for impoundment or immobilization, not receiving the sanction. The recidivism rates of these offenders were compared with those of offenders who did receive a vehicle sanction. Tracking these two groups of offenders for up to 2 years demonstrated that the offenders who received the sanction had lower recidivism rates, both before and after they reclaimed their vehicles.