Virginia Introduces $3550 Speeding Ticket

@lisado (1227)
United States
July 7, 2007 10:07am CST
This is just crazy! I'm glad that we aren't actually residents so that is a little loophole in case we get pulled over, but still! Interesting that the guy that thought this was a good idea happens to own a lawfirm that handles traffic tickets, huh?? http://www.thenewspaper.com/news/18/1818.asp "Virginia legislator introduces new speeding ticket tax that boosts penalties beyond $3550, driving business to his traffic law firm. Virginia motorists convicted of minor traffic violations will face a new, multi-year tax beginning July 1. Led by state Delegate David B. Albo (R-Springfield), lawmakers slipped a driver responsibility tax into a larger transportation funding bill signed by Governor Tim Kaine (D) in April. Albo, a senior partner in the Albo & Oblon, LLP traffic law firm, can expect to see a significant increase in business as motorists seek to protect their wallet from traffic tickets that come with assessments of up to $3000 in addition to an annual point tax that tops out at $700 a year for as long as the points remain. "The purpose of the civil remedial fees imposed in this section is to generate revenue," the new law states. (Virginia Code 46.2-206.1) Driving as little as 15 MPH over the limit on an interstate highway now brings six license demerit points, a fine of up to $2500, up to one year in jail, and a new mandatory $1050 tax. The law also imposes an additional annual fee of up to $100 if a prior conviction leaves the motorist with a balance of eight demerit points, plus $75 for each additional point (up to $700 a year). The conviction in this example remains on the record for five years. Other six-point convictions include "failing to give a proper signal," "passing a school bus" or "driving with an obstructed view." The same $1050 assessment applies, but the conviction remains on the record for eleven years. Although the amount of the tax can add up quickly, the law forbids judges from reducing or suspending it in any way. The tax applies only to Virginia residents, so that out-of-state motorists only need to pay the regular ticket amount. Michigan, New Jersey, New York and Texas also impose a somewhat more modest driver responsibility tax which they apply to out-of-state residents. The Virginia Supreme Court provides a full explanation of the new penalties for each traffic infraction in the 34k PDF file at the source link below."
1 person likes this
2 responses
@mindyja25 (180)
• United States
19 Jul 07
Yes it is just a crazy law. Everyone and I mean everyone thinks it's just wrong. I can't see how they think this law will do anything different on Virginia roads, I like to call it a new fund raiser for Virginia. Virginia has all the werid laws anyway.
@lisado (1227)
• United States
20 Jul 07
I agree. Some of the laws they have here really make me shake my head. The fees for breaking them are even worse!
@freak369 (5113)
• United States
7 Jul 07
What really gets me is this line: "The purpose of the civil remedial fees imposed in this section is to generate revenue" If they would have said that it was to try and prevent speeding, accidents and deaths that would have been a completely different story but it's all about money and the almighty dollar. This just makes me sick to the stomach, if I lived thee I would be livid and plan on moving to another state.