I am both surprised and pleased to see HB 33 introduced by Delegate Campbell. Surprised, in the fact that I have held several conversations with other farmers about the gross misuse of the "farm use tag" by non-farmers, and some of the possible solutions we came up with is exactly what this bill addresses. Pleased, because I see the "farm use" exemption being abused every day. When non-farmers put a "farm use" tag on a vehicle, it does not get registered (no one knows who owns it), it does not get inspected (no one knows if the vehicle is safe to be operated on the highway), it usually doesn't have any insurance on it, and they are not paying personal property taxes to the locality (probably the main reason some choose not to register the vehicle). The requirement to show a copy of a Federal F-schedule is a good way to prove that the person applying for the tag is actually engaged in farming. If someone is not completing an F-Schedule, they aren't farming....period. Due to confusion about the law and the limitations of the "farm use" tag, I know several farmers who have simply decided to register some of their farm vehicles for fear of violating the law. Unfortunately, not everyone is as conscientious, and in many cases, the only persons benefiting from the current "farm use" exemption, are non-farmers. I support this legislation, but do have a couple of concerns that I hope can be addressed during the legislative process. 1) How long it will take DMV to implement these changes? A grace period may be needed to allow all of the current legitimate farmers to get a plate from DMV. 2) While most true farmers will have proof of insurance for their farm vehicles, I'm not sure they would always have separate insurance on their trailers. Trailers are usually covered by the power unit pulling them. Even with these concerns, I hope you would choose to support this legislation. Bill Hogan Pamplin, VA

Virginia Loggers Association supports HB 179 requiring proof of insurance. VA Loggers Association opposes HB 1148. Many of our family owned businesses owners are actively working into their seventies. They have driven commercial trucks during their entire professions. The older generation continue to work in their business even after their children take over operations. AAA and DOT studies show no increased frequency in accidents for those age 70 o 80. The highest accident rates still occur in new drivers and younger age grouips.

To Whom it May Concern, As a logger and part time driver hauling logs, I am still physically able to take control of a tractor-trailer load of logs and/or pulpwood. For anyone to assume that at the age of 70 we are no longer able to take care of ourselves and the load is based on what? If we have passed the physical examination how can you make such a broad statement about our abilities when you have not seen us in action. This is an assumption that you will not be physically fit to drive your own car after age 70.

As a licensed physician practicing in Fairfax, I support this bill. The majority of seniors are fine to drive, but there are plenty that are not and are unwilling to give up the privilege. I have seen this be a source of familial conflict multiple times. I don’t think this would put an undue burden on physicians, as the form need only be 1 page, like the one the District of Columbia uses. I also don’t think that it would be an undue burden on the DMV, as it has been my experience that seniors are usually willing to give up their driver’s license when their doctor tells them that they shouldn’t be driving. I would be happy to discuss this with a representative from the DMV to address their concerns. I realize in some parts of the Commonwealth this is a low priority, but it’s a serious issue on the congested streets of Northern Virginia. Thank you.

Virginia Loggers Association supports HB 179 requiring proof of insurance. VA Loggers Association opposes HB 1148. Many of our family owned businesses owners are actively working into their seventies. They have driven commercial trucks during their entire professions. The older generation continue to work in their business even after their children take over operations. AAA and DOT studies show no increased frequency in accidents for those age 70 o 80. The highest accident rates still occur in new drivers and younger age grouips.

Thank you for your consideration. I know people still working full time over their 70's, all the over 80's I know are still able to drive. One shakes a leg on Friday nights at tailgates. 75 is not that old. 70 is actually retirement age for Social Security now. Having to sit forever and a day into a DMV for your drivers' license to change when they usually stay pretty close to home unless working or shaking a leg, shouldn't be much different from 75 than it is 70. I have people in their 60's working 2 jobs 7 days a week. Thank you.

Virginia Loggers Association represents 350 businesses operating in the COVA, NC, TN, and WV. The businesses are primarily engaged in forest harvesting and mills, with significant support from banking, equipment, insurance, legal, marketing, and services. Many of the businesses are small family-owned run by mom, dad, and their youth. Most of the smaller businesses view their future in their children who take over while the parents continue to work in different capacities. Many work beyond the age of 70 and remain very active. All depend upon their ability to operate a vehicle and do not need additional restrictions on their ability to secure a driver's license while they make positive contributions to our society and provide essential fiber products. Many actually have CDL licenses and skilled drivers. We oppose HB 1148. We believe HB 1148 does not warrant merit given the AAA studies. The groups with the highest crash rates were found to be in younger age groups and the age group 80 and older. The research used to support our opposition may be found at https://aaafoundation.org/rates-motor-vehicle-crashes-injuries-deaths-relation-driver-age-united-states-2014-2015/ "Rates of Motor Vehicle Crashes, Injuries and Deaths in Relation to Driver Age, United States, 2014-2015" This Research Brief presents updated data on crash risk using data on crashes from the US DOT in conjunction with data on driving mileage from the AAA Foundation's American Driving Survey. This Research Brief provides updated statistics on rates of crashes, injuries and death per mile driven in relation to driver age based on the most recent data available, from 2014-2015. Drivers ages 16-17 continue to have the highest rates of crash involvement, injuries to themselves and others and deaths of others in crashes in which they are involved. Drivers age 80 and older have the highest rates of driver deaths. Drivers ages 60-69 were the safest drivers by most measures examined. Many family-owned businesses in the Virginia Loggers Association hope to pass on their business investment to their children while remaining active in a different capacity. Most citizens 70 and older we know are still very active, keen of mind, and regularly safely drive their vehicles to complete daily tasks and work-related activities. With all due respect, we ask you to ,and withdraw HB 1148, or alternatively change the age from 75 to 80! Thank you for your public service. commitment to our Commonwealth, and the opportunity to provide these written comments.. Ron Jenkins, Executive Director VLA, 804 677 4290 (info@valoggers.org)