The Carroll News

It is a pretty safe assumption to say that the vast majority of Virginia’s citizens were pleased to hear that the House of Delegates passed legislation last week that would abolish the state’s abusive driver fees.

After a full year of hearing statewide complaints and protests to the series of costly penalties, including a $1,050 fine for those convicted of traveling more than 20 mph above the speed limit, the House soundly voted 95-2 in favor of a new bill that would eliminate the civil remedial fees issues for major traffic offenses such as reckless driving.

Most citizens deemed the penalties, which were as hefty as $3,000 for felony offenses, unfair because they did not also apply to out-of-state motorists. The 95 members of the House who voted to eliminate the abusive driver fees should be commended for listening to their constituents and acting quickly once the issue was once again up for discussion.

However, Virginia residents might want to be careful what they wish for. The abusive driver fees were tabbed to raise $65 million in fees annually, and the new bill does not address where that money will come from. One proposal would require Northern Virginia residents to pay sales taxes on car purchases to the state instead of through dealers.

Several bills tabbed to be introduced this legislative session would require an increase in the gasoline tax as a way to make up for some of the lost revenue from the abusive driver fees. House Republicans, however, say they are united in opposing any new statewide taxes.

One way or the other, the money will have to come from somewhere. But any way that is fair and applicable to all citizens, instead of taking advantage of a small portion, is preferable. At the very least, abolishing the abusive driver fees should accomplish that.