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| Legislative Watch | 
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Michigan |
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5/16/03-Michigan’s
habitually bad drivers would pay up to $1,000 to keep their driving
privileges under a plan state lawmakers announced May 14.
The legislative initiative follows a Detroit News report that found drivers who had outrun repeated problems with the law killed more than 1,800 people in Michigan over eight years. That amounts to one of every six traffic deaths, a rate exceeded by only three other states.
“ Drunk driving, reckless driving and road rage-related incidents have made Michigan’s roads and highways more dangerous than ever,” Sen. Jud Gilbert, R-Algonac, said in a statement. “The time has come for us to send a serious message to those drivers who threaten the greater public’s safety with their reckless behavior behind the wheel.”
The plan outlined by Gilbert and Senate Majority Leader Ken Sikkema, R-Wyoming, would put a $100 yearly fee on people who rack up seven or more points on their driver’s license within two years. Drivers with more points would be charged $50 per point. Those convicted of serious crimes such as drunken driving or driving without a license could face fees between $500 and $1,000.
Sikkema said the fees could net the state between $65 and $75 million a year.
The Legislation is expected to be introduced in the Senate by Memorial Day weekend.
The legislative initiative follows a Detroit News report that found drivers who had outrun repeated problems with the law killed more than 1,800 people in Michigan over eight years. That amounts to one of every six traffic deaths, a rate exceeded by only three other states.
“ Drunk driving, reckless driving and road rage-related incidents have made Michigan’s roads and highways more dangerous than ever,” Sen. Jud Gilbert, R-Algonac, said in a statement. “The time has come for us to send a serious message to those drivers who threaten the greater public’s safety with their reckless behavior behind the wheel.”
The plan outlined by Gilbert and Senate Majority Leader Ken Sikkema, R-Wyoming, would put a $100 yearly fee on people who rack up seven or more points on their driver’s license within two years. Drivers with more points would be charged $50 per point. Those convicted of serious crimes such as drunken driving or driving without a license could face fees between $500 and $1,000.
Sikkema said the fees could net the state between $65 and $75 million a year.
The Legislation is expected to be introduced in the Senate by Memorial Day weekend.