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House votes to delete driver responsibility fees

LANSING, MI (AP)--   The Michigan House has unanimously passed legislation to phase out unpopular driver responsibility fees by 2017. 

The fees were meant to discourage driving violations and range from $100 to $2,000 for offenses like driving drunk or with a suspended license.

Lawmakers say the fees are double jeopardy punishments because they're collected in addition to regular penalties for a driving violation. They say drivers with suspended licenses will keep driving to work to pay off their fee, which can make Michigan roads more dangerous.

The highest fees would be cut in half starting in October. All fees would end after Sept. 30, 2017. The bills now go to the Senate.

Democratic bill sponsor Rep. Alberta Tinsley-Talabi of Detroit says eliminating the "onerous fees" will "bring much-needed relief to Michigan drivers."