Ohio drivers hit with 329,000 late fees

COLUMBUS, Jan. 21, 2010 (AP): Ohio has issued 329,000 fines to people who missed new deadlines to renew their driver's licenses and vehicle registrations.

The new $20 late fee took effect in October, raising about $6.4 million for the State Highway Patrol through December. The figures were released Wednesday.

The penalties apply to drivers more than seven days late on a renewal. They were part of a series of new and higher fees added to state transportation budget last year.

Spokeswoman Lindsey Wayt Bohrer says the Bureau of Motor Vehicles has been publicizing the change since July by sending notices in vehicle registration renewal applications and informing media outlets.

The bureau also is placing notices on its Web site, displaying posters in agency offices and sending e-mails to drivers who have used the state's online renewal system.

Information from: The Columbus Dispatch, http://www.dispatch.com