Friday, June 29, 2007

Virginia rolls out the $3550 speeding ticket

This 4th of July weekend Northern Virginia motorists will take to the roads for beach excursions, backyard picnics and patriotic partying. But don't speed, and definitely don't drink and drive, because hefty "abuser fees" are waiting for lead-footed motorists at the courthouse.
In Virginia, new laws go on the books next week aimed at curbing highway speeding and drinking and driving. Virginia motorists convicted of traffic violations will face a new, multi-year tax beginning July 1 with assessments of up to $3,000 in addition to an annual point tax that tops out at $700 a year for as long as the points remain.

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5 comments:

Unknown said...

My advice for those who don't like speeding tickets and the large fines associated with them: Don't Speed.

Belle Rose said...

Agreed tad. But, there are questions.

Over a $1,000 civil fine for failure to signal? Bit extreme. Followed a deputy who better learn that lesson by July 1

The civil fines don't apply to out of state drivers? How about equal protection of the laws?

Is this any way to fund highways? Catch-22. We get bad drivers off the roads so less money collected and roads not built.

Other questions--will state actually collect? Will state need more manpower to collect? Will the civil fines hit lower income more than those who have the money and the lawyers to help them dodge the punishment?

Anonymous said...

I recently had a conversation with a lawyer who said that this may get challenged in the courts, and possibly thrown out or repealed eventually.

Belle Rose said...

Lots of commentary about a News Leader editorial on point. Make sure to get the entire link.
http://www.newsleader.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070701/OPINION01/707010326/1014/OPINION

Anonymous said...

Fees yes. Taxes no. Put this right up there with the famous "underwear" bill. Delegates! Ain't you got somethin' better to do? How silly will we get about pay as you go? This is beyond belief!