3 years ago
RICHMOND, Va. (AP) -- The expensive new fees Virginia is imposing on its worst drivers is facing its first two challenges -- one from a town council, one in court. The town of Front Royal postponed a vote Monday night on a proposal to opt out of imposing the fines. And Tuesday morning, a Henrico County court will hear arguments that the law is unconstitutional.
The separate actions come amid a statewide uproar over the recurring fees for highway offenses like reckless or drunken driving. There are also calls for legislators to repeal the law in a special session. Some Front Royal Town Council members are proposing to NOT incorporate the abusive driver fees into the town's traffic ordinances. The council will take another look at the measure next month.
At Tuesday's hearing in Henrico General District Court, attorneys plan to contend that because nonresidents are exempt, the fees breach the U.S. Constitution's principle of equal protection under the law.
