Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: MONDAY, August 1, 1994 TAG: 9408010086
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: C4 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: RICHMOND LENGTH: Medium
Any attempt to change the license will alter the image and superimposed information about the driver.
``The ghost image is an example of how use of the latest technology can better protect Virginia citizens against activities where fraudulent driver's licenses are used in criminal activities,'' said Richard D. Holcomb, commissioner of the Department of Motor Vehicles.
According to state police investigators, some "straw" buyers of handguns formerly came to Virginia and got a state driver's license to show when buying guns - which were then resold in other states.
Now, however, DMV requires everyone applying for a driver's license to show proof of state residence.
Col. Wayne Huggins, the state police superintendent, said the new license will boost the efforts of law enforcement officers in the fight against crime.
``The new license should enhance officer safety to the extent it ensures drivers are who they say they are,'' Huggins said.
Officers, however, must continue with their standard procedure of approaching each stopped driver with caution. They will continue to check by police radio on the driver's identity, Huggins added.
Officials of the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control also welcome the new licenses. They say the ``ghost-image'' should prevent minors from altering licenses to buy alcoholic beverages.
In May, DMV, ABC and University of Richmond campus police teamed up to break up a student ring reproducing New York state driver's licenses in a campus dormitory, said DMV investigator W.T. Parrish. They arrested or issued citations to 20 students.
In June, two students were found guilty in Richmond General District Court of fraudulent manufacturing of state driver's licenses, and the other 18 were convicted of possessing fake driver's licenses.
by CNB