4/1/08-Gov. Tim Kaine signed a bill into law to rid the state of so-called “bad driver” fees. It took effect immediately.
The new law, previously SB1, repeals the high fees applied solely to Virginia drivers and refund all fees collected. Payments still due also will be waived.
The driver’s licenses of motorists who lost their driving privileges for failure to pay the fees also will be eligible for reinstatement. The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles will notify those individuals.
The House version – HB1243 – also was signed into law.

3/12/08-The General Assembly has cleared legislation to advance to Gov. Tim Kaine’s desk for his signature that would rid the state of so-called bad driver fees.
The fees for violations made by “bad drivers” are payable in three annual payments ranging from $250 to $1,000.
SB1 would repeal the high fees applied solely to Virginia drivers and refund all fees collected. Payments still due also would be waived.
The driver’s licenses of motorists who lost their driving privileges for failure to pay the fees also would be reinstated.
For bill status, call (804) 698-7410. In Virginia, call 1-888-892-6948.
The House version – HB1243 – also has moved to the governor’s desk.

2/6/08-The Senate unanimously approved a bill that would rid the state of so-called bad driver fees. It now moves to the House.
Sponsored by Sen. Edward Houck, D-Spotsylvania, SB1 received final passage in the Senate after senators were able to resolve how to rebate most fees that courts already imposed. An amendment was added on the Senate floor that not only would repeal the surcharges applied solely to Virginia drivers but also would set up a process to refund fees already collected. Payments still due would be waived.
The fees for violations made by “bad drivers” are payable in three annual payments ranging from $250 to $1,000. They are expected to generate $65 million a year for transportation. However, only $4 million had been collected in the first six months.
The bill is awaiting consideration in the House Transportation Committee. The panel can take up the measure after Feb. 12 – the deadline for each chamber to advance its own bills.
If the bill advances from the General Assembly it would move to the governor’s desk for his signature. It would take effect immediately.
The House approved a similar bill – HB1243. It’s moved to the Senate for further consideration.
For bill status, call (804) 698-7410. In Virginia, call 1-888-892-6948.

1/24/08-The Senate Finance Committee unanimously approved a bill Jan. 23 that would repeal fees charged to “bad drivers” in the state. The bill’s next stop is the Senate floor.
State law enacted a year ago relies on higher fines for the state’s worst drivers. Of particular interest to truckers, the legislation includes provisions to boost penalties for overweight trucks and heavy truck registration fees.
The fees for violations made by in-state truckers and other drivers are payable in three annual payments ranging from $250 to $1,000. Nonresidents are immune from the penalties.
Sponsored by Sen. Edward Houck, D-Spotsylvania, SB1 would eliminate the abusive-driver fees. A provision to refund fines was removed in committee.
For Senate bill status, call (804) 698-7410. In Virginia, call 1-888-892-6948.

1/21/08-The Senate Courts of Justice Committee unanimously approved a bill that would repeal fees charged to “bad drivers” in the state.
State law enacted a year ago relies on higher fines for the state’s worst drivers. Of particular interest to truckers, the legislation includes provisions to boost penalties for overweight trucks and heavy truck registration fees.
The fees for violations made by in-state truckers and other drivers are payable in three annual payments ranging from $250 to $1,000. Nonresidents are immune from the penalties.
Sponsored by Sen. Edward Houck, D-Spotsylvania, SB1 would eliminate the abusive-driver fees and refund fines. It would take effect July 1.
The bill now moves to the Senate Finance Committee. It previously advanced from the Senate Transportation Committee.
For Senate bill status, call (804) 698-7410. In Virginia, call 1-888-892-6948.

1/3/08-A bill awaiting consideration in the Senate Transportation Committee would repeal fees charged to “bad drivers” in the state.
State law enacted a year ago relies on higher fines for the state’s worst drivers. Of particular interest to truckers, the legislation includes provisions to boost penalties for overweight trucks and heavy truck registration fees.
The fees for violations made by in-state truckers and other drivers are payable in three annual payments ranging from $250 to $1,000. Nonresidents are immune from the penalties.
Sponsored by Sen. Edward Houck, D-Spotsylvania, SB1 would eliminate the abusive-driver fees and refund fines.
For Senate bill status, call (804) 698-7410. In Virginia, call 1-888-892-6948.
An identical Senate bill – SB6 – also is awaiting consideration in the committee.