Wow that's terrible how they handle that. What a bad process. That can't happen with your bank accounts for anything in the US unless you had a special judgment against you in court, which is difficult to get, it would take a long time but you'd have the option to contest it or get some leniency.

Typically auto related things are tied to just that - your car could get a boot put on it, could be towed, you could get your license suspended. You accrue fines. But they aren't garnishing any funds from any bank account. And you have recourse in court and other programs if you can't afford it.