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View Full Version : Virginia Introduces $3550 Speeding Ticket



stephanie
06-27-2007, 02:52 PM
WT?....anyone here from Virginia?

Virginia legislator introduces new speeding ticket tax that boosts penalties beyond $3550, driving business to his traffic law firm.


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.

Source: Civil Remedial Fees (Executive Secretary, Virginia Supreme Court, 6/21/2007)
http://www.thenewspaper.com/news/18/1818.asp

Hagbard Celine
06-27-2007, 02:57 PM
This f*cking sucks. Speeding violations are one of those petty crimes that I think shouldn't even be on the books. If I am forced to pay for a car because the government doesn't supply adequate mass transit and I'm forced to pay taxes that fund the building of roads, I should damn well be allowed to drive whatever speed I deem sufficient in my car on my roads without having my day ruined and my bank account emptied.

darin
06-27-2007, 03:13 PM
Taxation via Citation.

This just in - New State Police Insignia/patch:

http://www.debatepolicy.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=311&stc=1&d=1182975213

Abbey Marie
06-27-2007, 03:19 PM
http://www.websmileys.com/sm/mad/1106.gif

Seriously. Even more incentive to give out traffic tickets.

nevadamedic
06-27-2007, 03:55 PM
This f*cking sucks. Speeding violations are one of those petty crimes that I think shouldn't even be on the books. If I am forced to pay for a car because the government doesn't supply adequate mass transit and I'm forced to pay taxes that fund the building of roads, I should damn well be allowed to drive whatever speed I deem sufficient in my car on my roads without having my day ruined and my bank account emptied.

:clap:

glockmail
06-27-2007, 05:14 PM
I think this sucks as well, but for different reasons. You don't ever want to be found speeding 15 over anywhere. When I was in NY they's tack on so many points you'd pay at least 3G in extra insurance costs over three years. Same here in NC, plus the cop has the right to take your license on the spot (although they rarely do). That's why I always hire a lawyer if I get nailed, and if I have to get somewhere fast, I set the cruise control on 14 over.

5stringJeff
06-27-2007, 06:35 PM
This sucks balls.

glockmail
06-27-2007, 06:38 PM
This sucks balls.
Then I suggest you read your own State's laws as well. They were bad when I was there 12 years ago. I can't see all those liberal Democrats making it any easier on you.

gabosaurus
06-27-2007, 10:09 PM
Peter went in to inform God that a 50-seat tour bus had plunged over a cliff, resulting in the death of 48 lawyers.
Standing right outside the door, Paul listened as God screamed, yelled and cursed for a full 20 minutes. Peter then left, shaking, with his hair scorched.
"Why did those 48 death make God so upset?" Paul asked.
"It wasn't the deaths," Paul replied. "God was upset that two seats were vacant."

waterrescuedude2000
06-28-2007, 03:57 AM
Well where I live in Nevada the city is cracking down on speeders and jay walkers. But when my house got broken into last year they wouldn't even come to my house. Some supervisor from reno police called me and said "my officers are out chasing crooks" I asked what about fingerprints or anything? He said "What is this CSI??? Needless to say I filed a complaint about him to their Internal affairs division. But anyways they stopped me for doing 32 in a 25 and its 110 dollar ticket.:lame2:

glockmail
06-28-2007, 11:14 AM
Well where I live in Nevada the city is cracking down on speeders and jay walkers. But when my house got broken into last year they wouldn't even come to my house. Some supervisor from reno police called me and said "my officers are out chasing crooks" I asked what about fingerprints or anything? He said "What is this CSI??? Needless to say I filed a complaint about him to their Internal affairs division. But anyways they stopped me for doing 32 in a 25 and its 110 dollar ticket.:lame2: Oherwise law abiding speeders are a lot less threatening and yeild a higher conviction rate than real criminals. Get extra locks on your doors, buy a dog and a gun.