Sexual Predator Driver’s Licenses

WJHG-TV

Since summer, Florida law requires convicted sexual predators and offenders to have a code on their driver’s license that identifies them. Florida is the only state with this requirement. The sheriff who pushed for the law hopes other states follow Florida’s lead.

You have to look closely to see whether a person is a sexual predator or offender by their driver’s license. The identifier is a small number in the lower right hand corner.

Jefferson County Sheriff David Hobbs came up with the idea. It became law in July. He believes it helps officers quickly identify if someone could cause trouble, when computer systems go down, like during a hurricane inside a shelter.

“I think the public needs to be made aware if it, at any costs. That’s a lifestyle that individual chooses. And I personally have no tolerance or patience for an individual that would do anything to a child.”

Sexual predators and offenders already have to register with the state. They also have limits on where they can live. Some parents like Jason Knowles wonder if the law goes too far.

“I don’t know if that’s the best way to identify who sex offenders are, by putting a marking on their driver’s license. But I think it is important to identify who the sex predators or potential child molesters are.”

The Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles says there are no known issues with the requirement.

Because kids often can’t protect themselves, the sheriff behind the law hopes other states adopt similar measures.

“If you stop a car on the interstate and there’s a small child in there with this individual. Do you know if it’s his child, do you?”

A sexual predator or offender who fails to register with DHSMV could face up to five years in prison. Full Story