HOUSTON – Those with unpaid traffic tickets could be denied the next time they try to register their vehicle.
Beginning in January, violators with unpaid tickets will be sent a notice. According to the city of Houston, they will have 30 days to respond.
"I don't think they ought to have that kind of power in order to make you pay a ticket," driver Kathy McMullian said.
Houston City Council voted and signed an agreement with the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles that would have the state refuse to issue vehicle registrations to people who have outstanding traffic fines.
Only one City Council member voted against it.
"There's no insurance that the person driving the car who's name the vehicle is in was actually served," said City Council Member Mike Sullivan.
The city is hoping to recover more than $400,000 in unpaid fines.