Have expired tags in D.C. - Go straight to Jail

by Eric Dondero

We've had a lot of choice words (even vulgar at times) to say about Virginia Senator Jim Webb over the years. We were staunch supporters of his opponent George Allen 6 years ago. But we now must give credit where credit is due.

D.C. has recently been enforcing a code that calls for jailing of residents with expired registration tags. The code states that expired tags could result in up to a $1,000 fine, and up to 30 days in jail. The 30 days in jail part has never been enforced, until now. The administration of Mayor Vincent Gray is cracking down. Scores of mostly African-American drivers living in the District have already spent a night or two in the pokey.

From Fox News, "U.S. Senator to D.C. Mayor: 'No Justification' for Jailing Drivers With Expired Tags":

police arrested a mother on her way to pick up her child from school, with her younger child in the car.

Senator Webb - defacto Senator for the District - has written a strongly worded letter to Mayor Gray denouoncing the arrests stating in part:

"While drivers should be held accountable for such minor infractions, there is absolutely no justification for jailing citizens whose only offense is an expired tag,"

Senator Webb will not be seeking reelection in 2012.