Driving points could get expensive in Va.

RICHMOND, Va., March 20 (UPI) -- Virginia lawmakers are considering raising money by imposing annual fines on the number of points on residents' driving records.

The House plan would fine drivers who have four or more points, which are assessed for such violations as speeding, running red lights and reckless driving. The drivers would have to pay $100 to $1,000 a year for three consecutive years if they want to continue driving.

Virginia has about 5.2 million licensed drivers, the Washington Times said.

The Virginia House plan would generate about $94 million in 2007 and as much as $180 million by 2009, said Robert Vaughn, staff director of the House Appropriations Committee.

The proposal is based on a program the New Jersey Legislature established in the early 1980s that now generates $139 million a year, said Lee Jackson, manager of the state's Insurance Surcharge Program.