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ATLANTA - Sen. Marty Harbin (R – Tyrone) introduced a bill to alleviate penalties against drivers who do not have a current registration revalidation decal. This legislation gives citizens the opportunity to correct the issue they are being cited for prior to their court date. Law enforcement currently has the ability to impound a vehicle, temporarily leaving drivers without transportation means and preventing them from fixing any automobile related issues before they must appear in court.
“The current law in the state of Georgia regarding this issue is unnecessary,” said Sen. Harbin. “When a driver gets pulled over for an expired decal, they shouldn’t have to worry about their car being towed and held up somewhere at their expense. This bill will create reasonable consequences for drivers by ensuring that only a small fine will be in place if they take care of the issue before their court date.”
This bill, which received bipartisan support, would eliminate a law enforcement officer’s ability to have a vehicle towed that does not have a current registration revalidation decal. The bill will also create a maximum fine of $50.00 for drivers who prove that they have obtained a registration revalidation decal by the time of their court date. With the elimination of the risk of towing, a $25.00 increase to the current fine of $25.00 will be implemented.
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Sen. Marty Harbin represents the 16th Senate District which includes Lamar, Spalding and Pike counties and a portion Fayette County. He may be reached at 404.656.0078 or by email at marty.harbin@senate.ga.gov.