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Friday, March 18, 2011

Mississippi House OKs 8-year driver's license

OFF THE WIRE
http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2011/mar/15/house-oks-8-year-drivers-license/
 Mississippi House OKs 8-year driver's license

Measure raises more funds with option of $40 permit By Phil West Memphis Commercial Appeal Posted March 15, 2011
JACKSON -- State House members sent Gov. Haley Barbour legislation Monday that authorizes eight-year driver's licenses for motorists and motorcyclists.
State driver's licenses currently are good for four years at a cost of $21, while motorcycle endorsements -- which are added to the regular driver's licenses -- cost an extra $6.
Original motorcycle licenses and renewals cost $14, according to the state Department of Public Safety website.
Under the legislation, an 8-year driver's license would cost $40, said Transportation Committee chairman Warner McBride, D-Courtland.
Eight-year restricted motorcycle licenses would cost $22 plus the cost of photographs.
Supporters of the bill, which was approved on a 120-0 vote, said it would be a convenience for drivers and boost funding for the Department of Public Safety, which issues the licenses.
"We thought that, especially in the first few years, people might want to option for the 8-year license and, in a time when budgets are down, we thought it might be a good time for them to see an increase in their revenue stream," McBride said. "After eight years, we hope the economy would be kind of back on an even keel.
"We also thought it might be something people would enjoy."
Violators could be sent to jail for terms ranging from two days to six months under the legislation.
They also could be fined $200 to $500 for violating the act.
The legislation, if signed into law by Barbour, would take effect Oct. 1.
McBride said that would give the Department of Public Safety time to get ready for the influx of extended license-seekers.