In the U.S., over 11 million people havehad their driver’s licenses suspendeddue to unpaid fines. This isn’t just aninconvenience – it’s a direct hit to financialstability. Losing the ability to drive meanslosing access to jobs, education, andessential services. In cities like Detroit,where public transit is unreliable, asuspended license can mean losing alivelihood altogether
Driven, a Detroit-based justice tech company, is tackling this issue by making it easier for individuals to resolve traffic tickets and court fines. Founded by DeAngelo Smith, who personally experienced the setbacks of a suspended license, Driven provides people with flexible payment options that prevent legal consequences, job loss, and cycles of debt.
How legal fines become a life-altering burden
Most courts demand full payment upfront – an unrealistic expectation for millions of Americans living paycheck to paycheck. When people can’t pay, they face compounding fines, license suspensions, and, in some cases, jailtime – all for something as minor as a traffic violation.
The impact of suspensions due to unpaid fines is staggering:
- 40% of people who lose their license also lose their job.
- Millions of gig workers – like Uber and DoorDash drivers – depend on valid licenses to earn a living.
- $15 billion in traffic fines are issued annually, but billions go unpaid because people simply can’t afford them.
This isn’t just about tickets – it’s about keeping people financially and legally secure.
A smarter approach to legal debt
Rather than punishing people for financial hardship, Driven is rethinking how legal fines are managed. By enabling structured payment options, people can take control of their financial obligations without facing license suspensions, collections, or legal trouble.
For many, a traffic ticket isn’t just a one-time fee – it’s the beginning of a downward financial spiral. Driven offers a way to break that cycle, ensuring that paying a fine doesn’t mean choosing between rent, groceries, or staying on the road.
Why this matters
The current system isn’t just inefficient – it’s harmful. It traps millions of people in a cycle where a single unpaid fine can escalate into unemployment, deeper debt, and even incarceration. The consequences are far-reaching, disproportionately affecting low-income communities and people of color.
Driven believes financial hardship shouldn’t determine whether someone can legally drive, keep their job, or stay out of jail. The company’s mission is clear: to make paying fines manageable, accessible, and fair for everyone.
Building a future of financial accessibility
As Driven continues to expand, it’s focused on working with communities to make this solution available to as many people as possible. The goal isn’t just to fix a broken system – it’s to build a future where no one loses their freedom or financial stability over an unpaid fine.
For individuals struggling with legal fines, Driven offers a way forward. Because keeping people on the road shouldn’t come at the cost of their future.
