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San Francisco Police changing its policy
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San Francisco Police Department is changing its policy. Starting Sunday, November 1, 2009, drivers who are pulled over without a license for the first time will just get cited. Police will no longer impound their cars.
The new policy will give unlicensed drivers 20 minutes to call someone with a license to pick up the vehicle. The new policy was also developed with illegal immigrants in mind.
"This is an attempt to try to enhance public safety," said San Francisco Police Chief George Gascon.
Gascon said the current policy can leave families stranded on the side of the road. It can also encourage unlicensed drivers to run from the police.
The mayor's office and members of the board of supervisors have voiced their support towards the new policy.
San Francisco mayor's spokesperson Nathan Ballard said in a statement "It's something the police department, working with the community, has decided to do to build trust in the community."
Opponents of the new policy are concerned giving unlicensed drivers a break is a public safety concern and bad immigration policy.
Police say second time offenders of the new policy won't be so lucky. Unlicensed drivers caught within six months will have their cars impounded and face hefty fines.
San Francisco will be among the first cities to implement the no-tow policy. Oakland and San Jose are also considering changes to their policy.
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