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Gov. Snyder Signs Law To End Driver Responsibility Fees

LANSING (AP) - Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder has signed a law to lessen and gradually eliminate extra "responsibility" fees that are imposed on drivers for certain traffic offenses.

Snyder on Friday signed legislation phasing out the fees by October 2019.

The fees are meant to discourage driving violations and range from $100 to $2,000 for offenses like driving drunk or with a suspended license. Critics say the fees are unfair and make driving more difficult to afford.

Secretary of State Ruth Johnson says the fees are a "double penalty" for people who already have to pay fines, court costs and usually face higher insurance rates for driving violations.

The state ultimately will lose more than $80 million in revenue from the fees.

The bill was sponsored by Republican Rep. Joe Haveman of Holland.

© Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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