Posted on 06/27/2007 11:35:12 AM PDT by bad company
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.
The purpose of the civil remedial fees imposed in this section is to generate revenue,” the new law states
Holy crap.
In a nation of many laws, sooner or later everyone is a lawbreaker
It’s all about money, only the money.
The people of Virginia are being fleeced. Wonder how they like it?
Reason # 2892 I would never move to Virginia, and never speed in Virginia. WTF?!?!
I know they take their radar detector and seat belt laws seriously...but this is just RIDICULOUS!
"Show me just what Mohammed brought that was new, and there you will find things only evil and inhuman, such as his command to spread by the sword the faith he preached." - Manuel II Palelologus
I wonder how long it will be until the Socialist Republic of Maryland’s house and senate adopt such a measure? Let’s see, they meet this fall I think.
Fired this off to my son. He’s moving to VA this summer.
Idiotic Bump.
But will they turn over Illegal Aliens to ICE ?
There’s another state I’ll never live in.
Holy jeez. As much as I love my wonderful home state of the Old Dominion, I think I’m glad I moved out when I did.
}:-)4
Fortunately they are properly armed to express their discontent.
“In a nation of many laws, sooner or later everyone is a lawbreaker”
So you are saying that the argument “if you aren’t doing anything illegal, you have nothing to worry about” doesn’t hold water?
Laws such as this should help with the severe over-crowding conditions in VA. /s
AS LITTLE??? On a highway marked 70MPH, AS LITTLE would be 85MPH. That's just stupid.
A government by the people, for the people.
This must be what the people want; right?
“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....”
No conflict of interests here, move along...
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