A platform for research: civil engineering, architecture and urbanism
A platform for research: civil engineering, architecture and urbanism
The effects of driver licensing laws on immigrant travel
Abstract Car use is critical to improving access to opportunities, especially for low-wage immigrants whose jobs are dispersed and when transit service is minimal. But many states have restricted the ability of undocumented immigrants to obtain drivers licenses, making it potentially difficult for them to improve their economic standing. The effects of these laws have been tested for their association with traffic safety but not on mode choice itself. Using the two most recent versions of the National Household Travel Survey, I fit a series of difference-in-difference models to estimate the effect of permissive immigrant driver licensing on travel outcomes. Permissive licensing increased the rate of giving rides by about 13% and increased the rate of getting a ride by about 6.5%, but changes to driving alone were insignificant. Results suggest permissive licensing has beneficial accessibility impacts for all immigrants in addition to the positive safety and economic externalities documented elsewhere.
Highlights This study examines how US driver licensing laws influence immigrant travel. Permissive licensing increases driving in and taking rides in carpools. Permissive licensing does not affect VMT or the number of drive alone trips. Results suggest small but important gains in mobility for immigrant groups.
The effects of driver licensing laws on immigrant travel
Abstract Car use is critical to improving access to opportunities, especially for low-wage immigrants whose jobs are dispersed and when transit service is minimal. But many states have restricted the ability of undocumented immigrants to obtain drivers licenses, making it potentially difficult for them to improve their economic standing. The effects of these laws have been tested for their association with traffic safety but not on mode choice itself. Using the two most recent versions of the National Household Travel Survey, I fit a series of difference-in-difference models to estimate the effect of permissive immigrant driver licensing on travel outcomes. Permissive licensing increased the rate of giving rides by about 13% and increased the rate of getting a ride by about 6.5%, but changes to driving alone were insignificant. Results suggest permissive licensing has beneficial accessibility impacts for all immigrants in addition to the positive safety and economic externalities documented elsewhere.
Highlights This study examines how US driver licensing laws influence immigrant travel. Permissive licensing increases driving in and taking rides in carpools. Permissive licensing does not affect VMT or the number of drive alone trips. Results suggest small but important gains in mobility for immigrant groups.
The effects of driver licensing laws on immigrant travel
Barajas, Jesus M. (author)
Transport Policy ; 105 ; 22-34
2021-02-21
13 pages
Article (Journal)
Electronic Resource
English
New Jersey Licensing and Tenure Laws
| Wiley | 1955
Traffic Engineering Evaluation of State Driver Licensing Manuals
| British Library Online Contents | 1992
Licensing Laws and Practice in the United States
Wiley | 1949
Graduated Driver Licensing: Safety Program Proves Effective in Reducing Crashes
| British Library Online Contents | 2003