Legislative Watch 
LEGISLATIVE
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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.
