Is driving a right or a privilege?

Question

I find it hard to agree with the government’s claim that driving is a privilege. Our constitution clearly says “All men are created equal” so if we are all equal, who has the right to be privileged? If you are privileged and I am not, we are not equal. You cannot tell me I am wrong, that would only make you ignorant and ignorance breeds stupidity.

Answer 1

I agree it should be a right. Why does the state have any say in whether or not I can drive MY car? I am paying my fair share of taxes like everyone else to fund the highways and if I want to drive on those highways that should be my right. Instead they require you to ask permission from nanny government and obtain a drivers license to exercise this so-called “privilege”. Then they use every little excuse to suspend it. If you are caught breaking the law a fine, jail time, or both are plenty adequate. They should have absolutely no authority to suspend your driver’s license. The laws have become far too oppressive in my opinion. Isn’t this supposed to be a free country? Then why are we asking permission before we can use our own private property?

Answer 2

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RE:

Is driving a right or a privilege?

I find it hard to agree with the government’s claim that driving is a privilege. Our constitution clearly says “All men are created equal” so if we are all equal, who has the right to be privileged? If you are privileged and I am not, we are not equal. You cannot tell me I am wrong, that would...

Answer 3

You all seem to be forgetting one thing ! Driving is a right once you have passed a specified driving test and gained a certification to actually be allowed to drive, it does not become or make it a privilege at all. If you have spent good money on obtaining a valid driving licence, legally and have satisfied the lawful requirements to pass those tests, then it is your RIGHT to drive a vehicle that you own or hire. American cops are using this to their own ends, it's a load of crap that driving is a privilege.

Answer 4

I suppose that everybody understand that to drive a car you must obtain a valid driver s licence, obey driving rules and, in case of crime, a licence will be revoked. The problem, I suppose, is in terminology. The even word "privilege" for most people has a very negative hue. Really, it sounds like an offence. So, what is the purpose of intentional insulting people with phrase: "Driving is not a right, it is a privilege"? Using another, less annoying terminology will not change the matter. That is my vision.

Answer 5

Be mindful of the fact that your opinions mean less than nothing unless they are based on law and court decisions, to wit:

http://www.realtruth.biz/driving/supremecourt.htm

For many years Professionals within the criminal justice System have acted upon the belief that traveling by motor vehicle upon the roadway was a privilege that was gained by a citizen only after approval by their respective state government in the form of the issuance of a permit or license to that Particular individual. Legislators, police officers and court officials are becoming aware that there are now court decisions that prove the fallacy of the legal opinion that" driving is a privilege and therefore requires government approval, i.e. a license". Some of these cases are:



Case # 1 - "Even the legislature has no power to deny to a citizen the right to travel upon the highway and transport his property in the ordinary course of his business or pleasure, though this right may be regulated in accordance with the public interest and convenience. - Chicago Motor Coach v Chicago 169 NE 22

("Regulated" here means traffic safety enforcement, stop lights, signs, etc. NOT a privilege that requires permission i.e.- licensing, mandatory insurance, vehicle registration, etc.)



Case # 2 - "The right of the citizen to travel upon the public highways and to transport his property thereon, either by carriage or by automobile, is not a mere privilege which a city may prohibit or permit at will, but a common right which he has under the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness."- Thompson v Smith 154 SE 579.



It could not be stated more conclusively that Citizens of the states have a right to travel, without approval or restriction (license), and that this right is protected under the U.S. Constitution. Here are other court decisions that expound the same facts: (read many cases re. same)

Answer 6

The first mandatory license requirement for driving was introduced in the Motor Car Act 1903 in the United Kingdom. Every car owner had to register their automobile with their local government authority and be able to prove registration of their vehicle on request. The minimum qualifying age was set at 17. The license gave its holders 'freedom of the road' with a maximum 20 mph speed limit.[2] Compulsory testing was introduced in 1934, with the passing of the Road Traffic Act.[3]

Answer 7

We all have the right to the privilege of obtaining a license to drive. A privilege means it can be taken away if you do not properly use it. A right cannot be taken away like your religion, speaking opinion, etc. driving is not a right. You have the right to ride a bike.

Answer 8

Driving is a Right. Under the Constitution, A Crime has to have .

1) injured party,2) cause harm or 3) loss. The court must produce an injured party to call anything a crime.

See U.C.C 1-207 .......or..remain enslaved

Answer 9

There is no law that states that all should drive. Driving is a privilege, and that privilege if abused can and will be taken away. You are correct about being equal, but those of equality and "do gooders" get privileges....such as driving. A person of equality should obey the laws as stated and written to keep what the other "equals" have. You are equal when you are doing what the others are doing, meaning not abusing anything. When you disobey the law and lose your privilege, then I guess you can no longer say you are equal because you weren't doing what your equals were. I'm not ignorant, and I didn't breed stupidity.........I agree but also disagree with you.



Wait until a simpleton hits your child( if you have one) or better yet a loved on in your family and he don't even have to be drunk....just being "ignorant". Does he still have the right to driving privileges? If you say yes to that, you are ignorant,...and your ignorance will breed stupidity! Think about what you said.

Answer 10

Firstly, this is YA UK and Ireland and from the mention of 'constitution' in your question I presume you are in the USA. However, I think my answer would apply both in the UK and the USA.

Driving is a privelege, not a right.

To drive a car you need to pass your test and not to have had your licence revoked by the courts for traffic offences etc.

This makes it a privelege.

If it was a right then you could do it unfettered, e.g. the right to free speech. That IS a right because you don't need a special skill or to pass a test to exercise this right.

Answer 11

We have the right as free citizens to travel on public roads and highways unrestricted as long as we aren't in commerce

Answer 12

I guess you fall into your own named categories of being ignorant and stupid...take a look in the mirror and read your question before submitting, again.

Driving is a privilege whether you agree with it or not. The government is made up of the people by the people. Your Government Representatives are voted in by WE THE PEOPLE. People that possess some kind of class, dignity, consideration, and respect of others.



Accept it.....your drivers license must be revoked or you wouldn't be having such an issue...calling names and such.



Drunk drivers, speed racers, wreck less drivers, road ragers, etc. should not be allowed to drive and privileges should be revoked because of them being such a MENACE and are prone to injure or kill people no matter of innocence.



Driving is a privilege....deal with it.

Answer 13

There wasn't a department of motor vehicles when the Constitution was written. Driving is a privilege, not a right, and can be taken away.

Answer 14

“All men are created equal” under the law...



There is no such thing as a "right" to drive, it is nowhere in the US Constitution. If you are unable to meet the criteria then you should not be driving.

Answer 15

a privilege.