Skip to Content
Streetsblog California home
Streetsblog California home
Log In
Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)

CalMatters Dives Into the Deadly Relicensing Practices at DMV

“We found nearly 40% of the drivers charged with vehicular manslaughter since 2019 have a valid license.”

While state legislators, city councils, and activists all look for ways to make California’s streets safer, a groundbreaking report by CalMatters illustrates the important role that our state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) plays in keeping our roads unsafe.

In “License to Kill,” journalist Robert Lewis and a team of eight researchers scoured DMV records from counties across the state. The report’s findings are illustrated by a series of heartbreaking stories about families whose lives were destroyed after crashes--and how the people responsible are legally back on the road.

The scariest part is this statistic: “We found nearly 40% of the drivers charged with vehicular manslaughter since 2019 have a valid license.”

If you have the stomach to read more, check out the entire series at CalMatters:

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog California

Streets for All: SoCal Could Fund All of Southland’s High-Speed Rail with EIFD

Streets for All report shows that all of SoCal High-Speed Rail could be funded with EIFD's, with money leftover to support local transit.

March 25, 2026

Wednesday’s Headlines

More news on legislation and transit funding as Mayor Bass skips a Streets for All forum. Also: No Kings.

March 25, 2026

Eyes on the Street: Progress on Folsom Streetscape Project

One of SoMa's major thoroughfares is getting long-overdue repairs that will include bike and ped safety improvements.

March 24, 2026

D.C. Advocates Sue To Save Key Bike Lane From Trump Teardown

We previously reported that the Trump administration might soon move to dismantle key cycle tracks in the nation's capital. Unfortunately, we were right.

March 24, 2026

Monrovia Seeks Input on Draft Bike Master Plan

The deadline for public comment is this Friday, March 27 2026.

March 24, 2026

Santa Rosa Quietly Approves Additional Mall Parking in Pedestrian and Art Plaza; Activists Appeal

“Why do they need more parking? It feels like they’re trying to sneak something by the public.’’

March 24, 2026
See all posts