Attorney General's News Release

November 15, 2000

Nixon files lawsuit to stop Web site from selling international driver's licenses in Missouri

Jefferson City, Mo. — Attorney General Jay Nixon today filed a lawsuit in Jackson County Circuit Court against two California men associated with a Web site that promotes and sells international driver's licenses as a way for drivers with revoked or suspended licenses to keep driving.

Nixon is suing Tim Thorn and Yad Abraham, both of Grand Terrace, Calif., who operate a Web site called Drivelegal.com. The site advertises that for $350, individuals can purchase international driver's licenses (IDLs), purportedly issued from the Bahamas and good for ten years. The site states that drivers can use the IDLs to "drive again in any state, or province, regardless of your past driving history."

"This Web site falsely claims that you can use one of these IDLs in place of — not in conjunction with — a government-issued driver's license," Nixon said. "The language on the Web site makes it clear that these defendants are promoting and advertising a product whose primary intent is to thwart law enforcement from keeping drivers off the road who have no legal right to be behind the wheel, including those who drive drunk."

The false claims, Nixon said, constitute a violation of Missouri's consumer protection laws. Nixon said the site also encourages customers to not use their first name on the IDL and to drive vehicles registered in someone else's name as a way to avoid being charged with driving without a valid operator's license.

"Make no mistake about it," Nixon said. "Anyone whose license has been suspended or revoked who buys one of these IDLs from Drivelegal.com will not only be $350 poorer, they will be running the risk of jail time and fines for operating a vehicle without a valid license."

Nixon is seeking a temporary restraining order and preliminary and permanent injunctions against Thorn, Abraham, and Thorn's business, Internex. The Attorney General is asking the court to prohibit them from selling or delivering IDLs to Missouri residents and to require them to post a notice on their Web site advising consumers that their service is unavailable in Missouri.

The lawsuit also seeks civil penalties of $1,000 for each violation of Missouri law, as well any restitution and costs determined appropriate by the court. A court date has not yet been set.

Inquiries from consumers should be directed to consumer@ago.mo.gov or 1-800-392-8222 (from within Missouri) or 573-751-3321 (outside Missouri).

All media inquiries should be directed to Press Secretary John Fougere.

E-mail      Phone: 573-751-8844         Fax: 573-751-5818