G.A. Hardaway

State Rep. G.A. Hardaway was detained Sunday at a traffic checkpoint in Olive Branch and taken to a police station where he paid a fine and was free to go. Contrary to some media reports, Hardaway said that he was not arrested but was taken only to the station for processing. The entire episode took an hour.  

“It was a normal traffic violation that has been over-blown and taken out of context,” he said. “It has created a sensitivity that if it can happen to me; it can happen to my constituents.  Going forward, I want to make sure the Tennessee Department of Public Safety improves their system whereby they notify licensees about suspension of their license.”

Hardaway said that traffic violations and other issues such as failure to pay child support can result in a suspended license.  He said he literally has received 100’s of phone calls from people with similar experiences.  “It’s gotten out of hand – I’m determined to improve the notification system.”

The Olive Branch Police set up the Aug. 24 checkpoint on Pleasant Hill Road near State Line Road to check for driver’s license, insurance and license plate violations.  Unknowingly driving on a suspended license for an unpaid traffic ticket and without his proof of auto insurance, Rep. Hardaway said the police were very professional and courteous.  

The next day, he paid the Memphis traffic ticket and his driver’s license has been reinstated.  He has a Sept. 23 court date in Olive Branch to show proof of current license and insurance. In the meantime, “I’m still working hard for my constituents.”