New legislation repealing the hated driver “abuser fees” tentatively was approved by the House on Monday, a day before both the House and Senate are expected to vote on the fees’ death.

Delegates added an emergency clause to the bill that would repeal the fees as soon as Gov. Tim Kaine signs the legislation. The Senate measure has the same clause.

The legislation also would erase the fines of drivers already paying the fees.

“We can’t solve our transportation crisis by turning our police officers into tax collectors. So I was proud to oppose them initially and to work for the repeal,” said Del. Brian Moran of Alexandria, chairman of the House Democratic Caucus. “Let’s no longer subject our fellow Virginians to this abusive law. It clearly fails to raise the revenue needed for transportation nor deter unsafe driving behavior.”

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The fees were enacted last session as part of a statewide transportation funding package. But after furious Virginia residents learned the fees applied only to in-state drivers and would add hundreds or thousands of dollars to the cost of some traffic offenses, lawmakers quickly reversed course.

A recent state audit found the fees have not made Virginia roads any safer and might not collect the $65 million they were projected to raise annually.

“This is a straightforward bill. It’s clean. It should be passed,” said Del. Timothy D. Hugo, R-Fairfax, the bill’s sponsor.

But Moran worried the language does not specifically say that currently charged drivers will be free from upcoming fines.

“We want to make sure there is no question that people have to pay the next two to three years,” Moran said.

Democrats wanted to delay a vote on the bill until they could discuss it with lawyers to make sure current debts would be removed under the measure. But Republicans rejected the motion.

Add it up

The fees enacted last year for driving dangerously in Virginia are not cheap

» Driving on a suspended or revoked license: $250 each year for three years

» Reckless or aggressive driving: $350 each year for three years

» Driving while intoxicated: $750 each year for three years

» Misdemeanor convictions for driving and/or motor vehicle-related offense: $300 each year for three years

» Felony convictions for driving or motor vehicle-related offense: $1,000 each year for three years

Source: Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles