THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, January 26, 1996 TAG: 9601260528
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B4 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: ASSEMBLY BRIEFS
DATELINE: RICHMOND LENGTH: Short : 26 lines
The Senate Transportation Committee on Thursday advanced legislation that would increase penalties for motorists who illegally use high-occupancy vehicle lanes.
The bill is needed in Northern Virginia where wealthy scofflaws think nothing of paying the current $50 fine to get to and from work quicker during rush hour, said Sen. Warren Barry, R-Fairfax, the bill's sponsor.
The bill would increase fines for a second offense to $100, to $250 for a third offense and $500 for a fourth or subsequent offense.
Driver demerit points used by insurance companies to assess rates would escalate.
KEYWORDS: GENERAL ASSEMBLY by CNB