D.C. Police Will Cease Arrests of Drivers With Expired Plates

Emergency legislation passed Tuesday

The D.C. Council has passed emergency legislation to end the practice of police officers arresting drivers for expired license plates.

 The bill submitted by Democratic Mayor Vincent Gray was approved without opposition Tuesday. It would eliminate criminal penalties for expired tags, replacing them with civil fines.

U.S. Sen. Jim Webb, a Virginia Democrat, sent a letter to the mayor earlier requesting a stop to the arrests.

Council Chairman Kwame Brown says drivers shouldn't worry about going to jail for the ``simple error'' of failing to renew their registration. Councilmember Phil Mendelson says the practice is out of step with other jurisdictions and isn't necessary for good law enforcement.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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