SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) — Illinois is getting a windfall of more than $1 million from its decision earlier this year to stop mailing reminders for motorists to renew their license plate stickers.

Figures show the amount collected in $20 fees doubled in the first two months of 2016 compared to the same period last year.

Drivers paid more than $2.7 million in fines from Jan. 1 through Feb. 22. Last year, the state collected about $1.5 million in fines for those two months.

The Secretary of State’s Office stopped mailing renewal reminders in October as a way to save an estimated $450,000 during the state’s months-long budget crisis.

January was the first month after a grace period following the last reminder notices.

 

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