Mass. Suspends Ariz. Driver’s Licenses

BOSTON — Massachusetts authorities have suspended the driver’s licenses of more than 100 people who converted licenses earned in Arizona to Massachusetts licenses, and are investigating hundreds more.

Rachel Kaprielian, head of the state Registry of Motor Vehicles, told The Boston Globe that those people who got their licenses in Arizona, largely legal refugees, are breaking the law.

To get a license in Massachusetts, eligible applicants must first pass a written learner’s permit test and then a road test. Immigrants can take the test in up to 26 foreign languages.

Gov. Deval Patrick said Monday that the registrar was doing “the right thing” by enforcing Massachusetts law, adding he was sorry for any inconvenience the crackdown has caused for individuals.

Officials says refugees are taking advantage of the more lenient Arizona requirements.