New York motorists are finding that the state is charging them up to $525 if they receive a speeding ticket while driving in Canada. Fred Bilyeu, 82, was ticketed for driving 152km/h (94 MPH) in a 60 MPH zone while behind the wheel of a 2004 Hyundai in Ontario. He paid $150 for the offense and returned home to Oswego County thinking the matter was put to a rest. Almost a year-and-a-half later, the New York Department of Motor Vehicles billed him $450 for what he did in a foreign country.

"It seems like double jeopardy to me," Bilyeu told Gannett News Service. "I paid the fine once in Canada, then they tripled the fine. I don't feel it's a very good way for New York to be treating its citizens."

In 2004, a legislator slipped a "driver responsibility tax" provision into a budget bill in the middle of the night. It passed without notice or debate. The tax charges motorists $100 a year for 3 years if they accumulate 6 points on their license. An extra $75 is charged for each point over 6. So far, the tax has raised $70 million in profit.

Senate Transportation Committee Chairman Thomas Libous (R-Binghamton) told Gannett that he supports the tax, but only for offenses committed within the state. He will consider asking the DMV commissioner to adjust the regulations.