1/16/08-The controversial “abusive driver” fees in Virginia are facing an onslaught of legislative efforts to scrap the law that put them in place. As a result, the state faces uncertainty for how to replace revenue the fees were intended to generate.
Gov. Tim Kaine urged lawmakers during his state of the commonwealth speech at the start of the 2008 regular session to scrap the fees levied on Virginia drivers for serious traffic offenses, such as reckless or drunken driving. The fees, which range from $250 to $1,000 in three annual payments, were attached to a massive transportation funding package approved a year ago.
A recent study by the General Assembly’s investigative arm found the state would fall short of generating the projected $65 million a year. They also said the state might have to issue more than 300,000 license suspensions during the next two years for failure to pay the fees.
With many legislators intent on repealing the fees, they must come up with other revenue sources for road and bridge repairs. The other option is to tap into money earmarked for new construction.
Among the bills introduced to help fill the anticipated funding gap are measures that would increase the state’s 17.5 cent-per-gallon tax on diesel and gas. Proposed tax increases range from a penny to 10 cents per gallon.
It is estimated even a one-cent increase would generate about $50 million a year, The Roanoke Times reported.
The governor offered his own proposal. Kaine said he favors increasing the state’s sales tax on vehicles from 3 percent to 5 percent.
The likelihood for getting tax increases through the statehouse is considered grim. Republicans, who control the House, don’t appear willing to advance legislation that includes more taxes. Instead, some GOP lawmakers would prefer to use existing revenue – such as a portion of the existing sales tax – to fill any maintenance gaps.

1/4/08-Virginia lawmakers are expected to revisit one of the most contentious issues in their state in recent years during the 2008 legislative session. The problem stems from fees and fines included in the massive $3 billion transportation bill approved a year ago.
In recent weeks, at least six bills have been filed for consideration to either eliminate the so-called bad driver fees and provide refunds to those who already paid them or amend the rules to reduce the number of offenses subject to the harsher penalties.
The fees and fines are part of the state’s long-term road-building plan that House and Senate lawmakers approved last March. The transportation package was several years in the making when Gov. Tim Kaine signed it into law. Since the law took effect July 1, public opposition about the fines for certain driving violations has led many lawmakers to call for change.
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.
Serious offenses that could result in paying hefty fines include drunken or reckless driving. Of particular interest to truck drivers, it also boosts penalties for overweight trucks and heavy truck registration fees.
Nonresidents are immune from the penalties and fees.
Lawmakers pursuing changes to the law have different reasons for seeking edits, but all agree that public angst over the rules led them in this direction.
Gov. Tim Kaine and leaders from both parties have said they want to include out-of-state drivers. However, repealing all the abusive-driver fees is much less likely.
The legislative efforts can be considered during the regular session that begins Wednesday, Jan. 9.