Impacts of Non-Driving Related License Suspensions on Quality of Life: a Qualitative Study

A recent study featuring PISC Senior Scholar Allison E. Curry explores the impact of non-driving related license suspensions on quality of life. Fourteen adults with non-driving related license suspensions were evaluated. Participants engaged in semi-structured phone interviews from September 2020 to January 2021. After interview analysis, results indicate five overarching themes: loss of autonomy, compromised health, employment challenges, compromised social and community relationships, and the negative experience of a license suspension. Additionally, license suspensions further exacerbate prior financial instability, isolation, unemployment, or health issues.

Non-driving related license suspensions have a significant negative impact on quality of life. Moreover, previous studies have exposed the classist and racist undertones of non-driving related license suspensions. With this in mind, the team strongly supports the “ongoing state-and-federal level efforts to end this practice” of non-driving related suspensions.

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