By Chelsea Hagger, Michigan Public Radio Network
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wkar/local-wkar-995654.mp3
LANSING, MI –
The annual fee paid by Michigan drivers with seven or more points on their licenses will soon be eliminated. Michigan Public Radio's Chelsea Hagger has this report.
The measure would eliminate the annual driver responsibility fee assessed for driving with an expired license, for failure to produce proof of insurance, and for not having no-fault insurance.
Senator Burt Johnson says the fee is unfair to drivers who have already paid a fine for a traffic violation. He says the fees put a lot of drivers in debt.
"It did bring in a lot of money, however, it was unjust and many other states that have enacted it they have started to go the other way and repeal it," he says. "And Michigan is following suit, we're late, but we're following suit."
Johnson says he would like to eventually see the driver responsibility fee eliminated completely. Major traffic violations, such as driving under the influence of alcohol, would still be assessed the annual fee. The measure is now on its way to Governor Rick Snyder for his signature.