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.
So driving 70 mph in a 65 mph zone might be safe; but if they have a speed trap and drop that to 55 mph, and you in your ignorance (or to avoid being rear-ended by every other car on the highway) continue along at 70 mph, you get a $1000 fine?
And what about the people who won’t be able to afford paying that, plus the yearly tax?
Is there going to be a government program to pay for their tickets?
I simply will not visit Virginia. My wife and I were going to do Jamestown and Williamsburg this next year but that's not in the cards now.
All you have to do is claim you’re in the country illegaly and you’ll get off scott free.
WHAT???!!! No 24 hours news feeds of how this is going to hurt children, single mothers and THE POOR???!!!
No aged black grandmothers crying about how they will STARVE if they have to pay the fine?
Sounds like a violation of the “cruel and unusual” provisions of the 8th Amendment.
I can see that traffic laws exist for a reason (our safety), and that they need to be enforced with REASONABLE penalties (fines and/or imprisonment). But “reasonable” isn’t in any way what is in Virginia’s laws.
On an empty, three lane wide, 20 mile long stretch of straightaway on a sunny day, with a modern car packed full of safety features since the national mandated 55mph limit? We’re not talking residential areas here.
"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
“The people of Virginia are being fleeced. Wonder how they like it?”
This is from our “Republican” house.
BTW, what about “our” federal government attempting to pass the immigration y’all come now bill?
It boils down to this: Our “elected” representatives no longer represent the people.
Does anybody know what time it is?
Sounds like cruel and unusual punishment to me, excessive fines..8th amendment
You're a fellow Californian - you know full well that slowing down to 85 mph on I-5 and I-15 makes you into Public Nuisance #1 in the eyes of other drivers. ;)
On the flip-ah-dee-doo-dah side, anyone can open carry in most of the state.
Just sayin’ ....
"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
When we caught ‘em, ICE wouldn’t take ‘em! No kidding!
I’m in Los Angeles. Hang on and scream land. 65-75MPH 10 feet apart or bumper to bumper all day.
Think that's vague enough?
That's what I was thinking. And the judge is not allowed to reduce or suspend the fine.
"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
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