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, are they going to start taxing the seniors who leave their turn signals blinking for miles and miles? Why not just confiscate the cars? They're probably only worth the cost of the tax anyway.
-PJ
Yep. It’s just a tax on speeding. Good luck with it VA.
A $3550 speeding ticket is absurd. But to make the statement "As little as 15MPH over the speed limit" is just as absurd. What's the point of having a speed limit at all if there's that kind of spread that's acceptable.
You obviously don't drive much on throughways Here in Shirleyville (formerly known as Atlanta) the speed limit on expressways is the odious 55. When the traffic is not parked, which it is about 7 hours a day, the average speed runs about 75
Unless you’re traveling .85mph on that road from hell.
"Virginia is for Lovers money-grabbing politicans"
I guess this means that Corzine had better stay in NJ.
Old Dominion needs to buck off these northern virgina, and liberal invaders..again!
Nah. I never drive on highways. I live in L.A.
Empty, three lane road on a sunny day, huh? I've been driving a damned long time and have never seen one. Even if I did, the safety features packed into my modern car aren't designed to operate effectively at 85 mph...
Save that kind of driving for the pros (whose safety gear *is* designed to function at 80+ mph).
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.
-PJ
I figured as much from your post.
Those of us in NJ wish he’d get the heck out.
I never thought I would live to see the day when our government at all levels would begin to morph into an out-of-control dictatorship, but it's happening right in front of my very eyes.
We have no republicans here....only various shades of democrat.
All true - but interestingly, I happened to look at my registration fees for my 1997 F250 pickup. $230 by the way. Well - there is an owner responsibility fee sitting there - this sounds like CA already has this nonsense!
FEED ME! FEED ME! FEED ME! MONEY! MONEY! MONEY!
Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we could reverse the digestive tract of government, and shove the manure back up it’s Anus and have it puke up our money?
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