Del Toro calls for end of Abusive Driver Fees

For immediate release

August 2, 2007

Commander Carlos Del Toro (ret.) is calling on Democrats and Republicans in the state government to hold a special session and repeal the unfair abusive driver fees.

“These outrageous fees on Virginia drivers are bad policy and should be removed immediately. We need to fund real transportation improvements, but we can’t do it with these speeding tickets on steroids,” Del Toro said.

“We need leaders in Richmond who will fix our traffic mess through fair funding sources that don’t threaten our families’ financial security,” Del Toro said. “I’ve helped balance the federal budget by cutting out waste, inefficiencies and ineffective programs, and it’s pretty clear Richmond is in need of that kind of leadership.”

“Frankly, I think Gov. Kaine and Speaker Howell should follow Ward Armstrong’s leadership here, and listen to the people of Virginia and repeal these fees,” Del Toro said. “If I had been the Delegate, I would have pushed for a bill that funded transportation improvements without these abusive driver fees.”

“In light of this judge’s ruling, we now know that these excessive fines are not only bad for Virginia families, they’re likely unconstitutional as well,” Del Toro said.

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Abusive driver fees declared unconstitutional

Thursday, Aug 02, 2007 - Updated: 11:38 AM

By BOB LEWIS

Richmond, VA - A Henrico County judge declared the state's new abusive driver fees unconstitutional Thursday.

General District Court Judge Archie Yeatts issued the ruling in the case of Anthony Price, who was facing his fifth charge of driving on a suspended license.

With his order, Yeatts instructed Henrico General District Court clerks not to collect civil remedial fees that can reach $1,000 or more for certain driving offenses.

The ruling is binding only in Henrico County but is being immediately appealed to Circuit Court and could eventually reach the Virginia Supreme Court.