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.
It’s not the point. The point is the ever-increasing enroachement on everything we do, and the government continuing to bend us over without lube every chance they get.
Virginia, Taxachusetts, whats the difference?
Year in jail, baby.
I think that one would fall under the 8th amendment for excissive fines and penalties.
We have laws of the road for a reason; they are there to protect drivers. Apparently, the Commonwealth felt the existing penalties were insufficient to deter what the Commonwealth has determined are dangerous activities.
I lived in rural Virginia for years and I’ve logged a lot of miles on 81. There are a lot of unsafe drivers out there, and that endangers me every time I get on the road. I think one of the primary duties of the state (perhaps the only legitimate duty of the state) is to protect me from others who, by force or coercion, attempt to harm me.
I’m not sold that you have some natural law right to change lanes without signaling; so if you get ticketed for it, I would expect the fine to be a sufficient deterrent such that you won’t do it again. Signaling before a lane change isn’t hard. Driving 65 mph isn’t hard. This isn’t major oppression here.
I was born and raised in Virginia, so I feel I have a right to an opinion.
I now live in North Carolina, a “me too state” that as a rule tries to mimic California. Guess who she will be mimicking this time? Thanks a lot Virginia.
Don’t look for NC to spare out of stater's, though. They know where the money is, and tourists don’t vote in NC.
Speed traps R us. ;-)
Have they’ written in an exception for illegal immigrants?
There's a stretch of road I drive every day where the speed limit goes from 25 to 40 to 55 and then back to 35 in the matter of less than 2 miles. I'm familiar with it but people who are not could easily get caught up in that.
BS...that might have been true at one time, but they even admit themselves it's simply revenue generation.
Should make for a lot of new footage for upcoming editions of the “World’s Deadliest Police Pursuits”.
I wonder if speeders will have to face the firing squad if they go 30 MPH over the limit? (sarcasm off)
bump
On the Alabama Autobahn (I-459 loop south of Birmingham) 85 mph will leave you in the wake turbulence of many drivers.
Just over a year ago I got a ticket on 77 going southbound near Wytheville, VA.
Probably about 9am on a Sunday, not a soul on the road and I’m coming down a large downgrade. Got a ticket for 83 in a 65. Being from out-of-state it didn’t bother me. Deputy Dawg did his business and I was on my way. Though I had a feeling if I was a local I probably wouldn’t have gotten one.
And on a highway you don’t swerve for doggies while going 85mph.
bump for later
Instead of Virginians, we can now call them Shorn.
It used to hold water. Now it's just another statist talking point.
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