Snyder signs driver responsibility

Wednesday, Dec. 14, 2011

LANSING, Mich. – Gov. Rick Snyder signed late Tuesday bills that repeal some of the state’s driver responsibility fees and allow the sale of certain consumer-grade fireworks in Michigan.

Senate Bill 166, sponsored by state Sen. Bruce Caswell, eliminates certain fees for lesser driving violations, including operating a motor vehicle with an expired license, operating a vehicle without a valid license, having more than one license or failing to surrender licenses from other states.

“This legislation addresses unintended consequences of the previous law and helps protect many of our most economically vulnerable Michiganders,” Snyder said.

S.B. 166 is now Public Act 255.

The annual fee paid by Michigan drivers with seven or more points on their licenses will soon be eliminated.

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 said the fee is unfair to drivers who have already paid a fine for a traffic violation. He said 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. And Michigan is following suit, we’re late, but we’re following suit.”

Johnson said 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.

This law should have never been passes in the first place. This law did nothing but hurt people, single mothers, fathers and families.

Todd Levitt, is one of the top lawyers in Michigan at restoring Michigan Driving rights when they have been revoked and or denied.
Out of state citizens who once lived here but lost their rights can contact Todd Levitt for a free consultation at 989-772-6000