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The end could be near for Michigan’s bad drivers’ fee

A bill package halfway through the Michigan statehouse would repeal parts of a seven-year-old law that imposes extra fees on drivers for certain traffic offenses.

Since 2003, Michigan’s habitually bad drivers have faced fees of up to $1,000 a year to keep their driving privileges. The law is intended to crack down on repeat driving offenders and increase revenue for the state.

A four-bill package unanimously approved by the House Wednesday, Sept. 15, would partially repeal the driver responsibility fee program starting in 2012. The package has been forwarded to the Senate for further consideration. If approved there, it would move to the governor’s desk.

Since the program’s passage seven years ago, some lawmakers have called the program unfair. They say the penalties are too harsh, especially for low-income motorists. Even supporters of the law say they recognize it has done more harm than good. However, the revenue the fee generates for the state has made it difficult for lawmakers to get rid of it.

“Obviously we must do what it takes to keep our roads safe for all travelers, but driver responsibility fees place an onerous and unnecessary financial burden on too many Michigan drivers,” Rep. Bettie C. Scott, D-Detroit, said in a statement.

Among the fees that the bill package would eliminate is an annual $200 fine for not having proof of insurance when pulled over. Extra fees for drivers with multiple speeding tickets or other offenses, such as driving without a license or insurance, also would be dropped.

Fees added to offenses such as drunken driving and reckless driving would remain intact.

The state assessed nearly $800 million in fees during the program’s first five years. Of that amount, about half of the fees have been collected.

If the fee program is repealed, violators who have yet to pay up would still be responsible for their fines.

To view other legislative activities of interest for Michigan, click here .

Editor’s Note: Please share your thoughts with us about the legislation included in this story. Comments may be sent to [email protected] .