A new program to restore driver's licenses in the city of Providence has gotten underway.
The goal of the two-year initiative, funded by the American Rescue Plan Act, is to help hundreds of people who lost their licenses because they were unable to pay fines.
Officials say a leading reason for arrests in the capital city is driving without a license.
Judge Frank Caprio granted two requests to waive all fines and fees on Tuesday.
One of the residents, Noelle Pierce, went without a license for sixteen years, and she says this is a lifted burden.
The program is seen as instrumental to getting people back working and contributing to the city.
To be eligible, applicants must not have had their license suspended for a moving violation which resulted in a felony conviction.
(Photo by Drew Angerer/Getty Images)
Photo: Getty Images