Drivers in at least four states may find themselves paying more than just a traffic fine when they get a ticket. In an attempt to cut down on habitual traffic offenders and to raise more revenue for states, these states (Michigan, New Jersey, New York, and Texas) have imposed a surcharge over and above the normal traffic fines and court fees that a motorist may have to pay as a result of getting a traffic ticket (also known as a Driver Responsibility Law). If the motorist has accumulated a set number of points over a designated period, the motorist is charged a surcharge that increases for every point over the limit and continues so long as the points remain on the driver's record.

All four states have similar laws with the exception of New York. Three of the states impose the surcharge over a one year period until the points have fallen below the pre-set level however New York imposes the surcharge for a three year period.

STATE	MINIMUM POINTS	WITHIN	SURCHARGE AMOUNT	AMOUNT PER EACH ADDITIONAL POINT	PENALTY FOR NON-PAYMENT
Michigan	7 Points	As Soon As Points are Imposed	$100	$50	Interruption of driving privileges
New Jersey	6 Points	3 Years	$150	$25	Indefinite suspension of driving privileges, possible lien and or garnishment of wages.
New York	6 Points	18 Months	$100 Per Year for 3 Years	$25	Suspension of driver's license
Texas	6 Points	3 Years	$100	$25	Suspension of driver's license

The typical time limit to pay the surcharge and avoid suspension of driving privileges is 30 days.

Each of these states also impose a heavier surcharge for more serious offenses such as DUI, refusal to submit to a breath test, and no proof of insurance. Typically the surcharges for a DUI are $1,000 or more per year.

To prevent accumulation of the minimum number of points, each of these states allow a driver to attend a driver improvement school however, once the minimum number of points have been reached, it is too late to try to reduce the points by taking a driver safety course and the surcharges will be imposed.

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The Texas DPS is giving drivers who have suspended licenses because of unpaid surcharges by offering an amnesty period from January 17, 2011 to April 17, 2011. The goal of the amnesty period is to bring drivers into compliance with the surcharge law while also allowing them to regain their driving privileges.

The amnesty period reduces the surcharge to 10%of the original amount for all owed surcharges, having the maximum surcharge owed at $250. This amnesty surcharge is on top of all the other reinstatement fees required from the driver. This is only eligible for drivers who have unpaid surcharge assessed between September 30, 2004 to December 31, 2008.

All that's needed is the driver's license number and a computer to apply for the reduced surcharges on this page: https://www.txsurchargeonline.com/AmnestyOptin.aspx or by telephone at 1 (877) 207-3170. Applications are accepted only until April 7, 2011.

By giving the amnesty period for drivers, the Texas DPS hopes that drivers who have lost their ability to operate a vehicle be able to start the year right.

More information on the Texas DPS site here: https://www.txsurchargeonline.com/AmnestyMain.aspx.

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