3/21/06-A bill has died that would have levied hefty fines on the worst-of-the-worst drivers in the state.
HB527 remained in the Senate Finance Committee March 7, the deadline to advance to the full chamber. The bill previously passed the House.
The bill would have established three-year fines for serious driving offenses that would be in addition to penalties already assessed.
Under the “abuser fee” approach, Virginia drivers who compile numerous misdemeanor convictions for moving violations would have been hit with fees ranging from $100 to $750.
Motorists convicted of a serious traffic offense would have paid extra fees in addition to penalties already assessed.
The plan would have set the fees, charged annually for three years, at $250 for driving with a suspended or revoked license, $350 for aggressive or reckless driving and $750 for drunken driving.
Virginia drivers who rack up four or more demerit points on their driving records would have been hit with increased fines of $100 a year. The penalty would have increased by $75 for each additional point, to as much as $700 annually.
Revenue from the fines would have been dedicated to the state’s transportation budget.

2/21/06-The House of Delegates voted 82-18 Feb. 14 to approve a bill that would levy hefty fines on the worst-of-the-worst drivers in the state. It has advanced to the Senate Finance Committee.
HB527, sponsored by Del. Thomas Davis Rust, R-Fairfax, would establish three-year fines for serious driving offenses that would be in addition to penalties already assessed.
Under the “abuser fee” approach, Virginia drivers who compile numerous misdemeanor convictions for moving violations would be hit with fees ranging from $100 to $750.
Motorists convicted of a serious traffic offense would pay extra fees in addition to penalties already assessed.
The plan would set the fees, charged annually for three years, at $250 for driving with a suspended or revoked license, $350 for aggressive or reckless driving and $750 for drunken driving.
Virginia drivers who rack up four or more demerit points on their driving records would be hit with increased fines of $100 a year. The penalty would increase by $75 for each additional point, to as much as $700 annually.
Revenue from the fines would be dedicated to the state’s transportation budget.
For bill status, call (804) 698-1500. In Virginia, call 1-877-391-3228.