ORDINANCE NO. BL2009-524

An ordinance providing a one-time traffic violation amnesty program.

WHEREAS, the Metropolitan Government is currently owed approximately $26 million in unpaid traffic tickets and court costs; and

WHEREAS, the Metropolitan Government is enduring a substantial decline in sales tax revenues as a result of the economic recession; and

WHEREAS, in an effort to increase revenue for the Metropolitan Government, as well provide an incentive to traffic violators to pay their outstanding fines, the Metropolitan Council deems it to be appropriate to provide a one-time traffic violation amnesty program for the month of November 2009.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ENACTED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT OF NASHVILLE AND DAVIDSON COUNTY:

Section 1. For the period from November 1, 2009, through November 30, 2009, the Metropolitan Traffic Violations Bureau shall offer an amnesty program for any unpaid fine assessed by the General Sessions Court for the violation of any ordinance codified in Title 12 of the Metropolitan Code, Vehicles and Traffic, during the years 2006, 2007, and 2008. The total unpaid amount of any such ticket, including applicable court costs, may be paid during the amnesty period at fifty percent (50%) of the outstanding balance due and owing. All payments must be received by the Traffic Violations Bureau not later than November 31, 2009 in order to qualify for the amnesty program.

Section 2. This Ordinance shall take effect from and after its enactment, the welfare of The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County requiring it.

Sponsored by: Eric Crafton, Erica Gilmore