Virginia is one screwed up state.. meet the $3100 ticket..

[Steve1968LS2]

So a state delegate (who is also a partner in a traffic law firm) slips a bs law like this into a bill. He admits this will increase his business.

10 times the fine? So if you get a simple $200 speeding ticket the eventual fine will be over $2000??? See, and then they will say "well, we didn't raise taxes"

No thanks to living in Virginia..



Virginia Introduces $3550 Speeding Ticket

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.

http://www.thenewspaper.com/news/18/1818.asp

Another article:

http://content.hamptonroads.com/story.cfm?story=127172&ran=8101

[LateNight72]

Wow talk about BS. Glad I don't live in Virginia.

That lawyer will probably triple (or possible more) his business. Seriously, I hope that guy trips down a flight of stairs and smashes his head. That is completely ridiculous.

[rohrt]

I fly out there for work I'm glad it dosn't apply to me.

"out-of-state motorists only need to pay the regular ticket amount."

[wiedemab]

We had a run-in with a Virginia State Trooper on our way to the AutoFair in Charlotte earlier this year. Anything over 80mph in Virginia is considered wreckless driving apparantly.

I feel bad for people that live in or drive in Virginia.

[trapin]

Wow. Won't be going to Virginia anytime soon. This should keep the tourists away. Nice going....IDIOTS!

[Takid455]

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.

I thought I was free until NJ decided to give it to its residents dry for something else. Suprised MA isn;t on that list

[Ricoch3T]

DoH... I live here, I don't speed around tho. But I'm sure if this passes it'll be one of the few times i'm not paying attention. :injured:

[JEFFTATE]

Radar detectors are illegal there , too

[6'9"Witha69]

Wow, and I thought California had some funky traffic laws. Virginia will be checked off the list of states to visit willingly.

[hdesign]

I thought I was free until NJ decided to give it to its residents dry for something else. Suprised MA isn;t on that list

I'm sure MA will find a way to double it, that's probably what's taking them so long to get on the list. We already get an extra 2 layers of surcharges on top of the actual citation amount. One is the $50 transferred to Trust funds for neck and spinal injury research. (BS)

But the worst surcharge is the increase in premium on my insurance policy. It instantly adds $800 per year for 7 years on ANY vehicle you operate. Meaning, I got a "failure to stop" citation a few years ago which flawed my perfect record. I went from an excellent step 9 to a step 13. I'm paying $3000 per year for a 100K mile 00 Cavalier and a 34K mile 04 Tblazer! And since MA legislators regulate the hell out of the insurance companies, none of them offer service here. We have like 2 choices and they both gouge us...BIG TIME!

So my $50 dollar ticket + $50 (spinal surcharge) + $5600 ($800 over 7 years) = $5700 How's that for screwed up?


Dug this gem up as well....just for kicks...


"Chapter 90: Section 7P. Height of motor vehicles; alteration restricted

Section 7P. No person shall alter, modify or change the height of a motor vehicle with an original manufacturer’s gross vehicle weight rating of up to and including ten thousand pounds, by elevating or lowering the chassis or body by more than two inches above or below the original manufacturer’s specified height by use of so-called “shackle lift kits” for leaf springs or by use of lift kits for coil springs, tires, or any other means or device.
The registrar shall establish rules and regulations for such changes in the height of motor vehicles beyond said two inches. No motor vehicle that has been so altered, modified or changed beyond the provisions of this section or the rules and regulations established by the registrar shall be operated on any way."



Word of advice....don't visit here or live here unless you have an insatiable appetite for Clam Chowda or an obsession with the Red Sox.

[Ralph LoGrasso]

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

Wow--a year for 15 over? That's insanity.

[RaceMan]

I'm sure MA will find a way to double it, that's probably what's taking them so long to get on the list. We already get an extra 2 layers of surcharges on top of the actual citation amount. One is the $50 transferred to Trust funds for neck and spinal injury research. (BS)

But the worst surcharge is the increase in premium on my insurance policy. It instantly adds $800 per year for 7 years on ANY vehicle you operate. Meaning, I got a "failure to stop" citation a few years ago which flawed my perfect record. I went from an excellent step 9 to a step 13. I'm paying $3000 per year for a 100K mile 00 Cavalier and a 34K mile 04 Tblazer! And since MA legislators regulate the hell out of the insurance companies, none of them offer service here. We have like 2 choices and they both gouge us...BIG TIME!


So my $50 dollar ticket + $50 (spinal surcharge) + $5600 ($800 over 7 years) = $5700 How's that for screwed up?


Dug this gem up as well....just for kicks...


"Chapter 90: Section 7P. Height of motor vehicles; alteration restricted

Section 7P. No person shall alter, modify or change the height of a motor vehicle with an original manufacturer’s gross vehicle weight rating of up to and including ten thousand pounds, by elevating or lowering the chassis or body by more than two inches above or below the original manufacturer’s specified height by use of so-called “shackle lift kits” for leaf springs or by use of lift kits for coil springs, tires, or any other means or device.
The registrar shall establish rules and regulations for such changes in the height of motor vehicles beyond said two inches. No motor vehicle that has been so altered, modified or changed beyond the provisions of this section or the rules and regulations established by the registrar shall be operated on any way."



Word of advice....don't visit here or live here unless you have an insatiable appetite for Clam Chowda or an obsession with the Red Sox.



WELL SAID BEN !!!!! WE SHOULD ALL PITCH IN AND RENT A BUS TO GET ALL OUR SORRY AS#ES OUTTA HERE!!!! LOL :here!:

[vintageracer]

I really do not see the problem with this. This IS why you get into politics. To get legislation passed that feathers your own nest.

You gotta like the guy. He is open and upfront about why he sponsored the legislation. Don't forget that the other "elected officials" ALSO VOTED for this legislation. That's the only way it can/could become law. There MUST be a lot of other legislators in Virginia that also want something since they supported this bill. They certainly MUST need this legislators support. Look out Virginians!!!!

Don't you just love it when YOUR legislator really screws you a new one????

[hdesign]

WELL SAID BEN !!!!! WE SHOULD ALL PITCH IN AND RENT A BUS TO GET ALL OUR SORRY AS#ES OUTTA HERE!!!! LOL :here!:

Yeah, don't I wish. I'm here for the next 20 years or so. :banghead: My kids need to have relatives in their lives...plus the schools.

[65elkyprotour]

I was stationed in VA for a few years and I got one of those "Altered suspension' tickets. I ended up losing my license for 6 months and they attempted to serve an arrest warrant twice, once at work and once on the road. They like to double screw the military. I guess that is why Virginia is for Lovers!

[jpdeuce]

Va is called the Communist state by many people here in TN near the state line, not the Commonwealth they claim to be. They have such B.S. laws and they enforce every one to the 10th degree. No aftermarket exhaust and must include tailpipes exiting rear, 2 1/4" max rise on any hoodscoop, inspected every year at your expense to insure working horn, wipers, brakes, suspension, etc. I know the inspection is needed to keep some peoples cars in decent operating condition but give me a break. Most hotrodders work their tails off to do that without being forced.

I moved out of there to get away from their crap. I was getting pulled over at least once a month for sometimes just "suspicion of speeding" or "that car looks awful fast, are you sure everything is legal?" Glad to be gone.

Oh, and don't forget theirstate income tax too. Yippeeeee!

[MonzaRacer]

I would figure that one will get fought and overturned as unconsitutional if right person gets a hold of it. And I would figure the proper person gets hit by it and the lawyer that sponsored it will get a major lawsuit.

[Mr.VENGEANCE]

whoooooaaa...

[69keith]

Name a state tha doesn't have some kind of crazy laws? At least I'm not paying 13% sales tax every time I buy something. The extra penalties only pertain to misdemor and felony driving convictions- DUI -over 20 mph - Hit and Run- agressive driving...

Keith Crigger _ Proud to live in Virginia

[LateNight72]

nvm

[Jim Nilsen]

Laws like that need to be passed only by referendum only to assure taxation with representation. Those bunch of people that voted for it should be held in contempt of our constitutional rights and the law repealed.:fingersx:

[Steve1968LS2]

Name a state tha doesn't have some kind of crazy laws? At least I'm not paying 13% sales tax every time I buy something. The extra penalties only pertain to misdemor and felony driving convictions- DUI -over 20 mph - Hit and Run- agressive driving...

Keith Crigger _ Proud to live in Virginia

The article mentions "15 mph over".. oh, and "agressive driving".. there's law open to interpretation. lol

And I pay less than 8% sales tax ;)

You should be more upset about the conflict of intrest in a guy pushing though something like this for his own personal gain.

[Smock67]

Thats asinine. Thankfully i live in Florida, the laws here are so easy no inspections 6% sales tax. But the abundance of cops mean you have an extremely high chance of getting pulled over, but you get a regular ticket.

[Bandit]

D'oh! I hate hearing news like this. I will be in VA with my car in about a week. I will be stationed there with the military for the next 3 years at least. I plan on being a boy scout on the roads. (Unless I am absolutely sure there are no black-and-whites around) ;)
I plan to register as an antique to avoid some of their B.S. anyway...

[LS6 Tommy]

I don't think they can legally do that on an Interstate. I could be wrong, but I swear I read that all Interstate highway fine schedules are set by the feds, not the local governments. There's a legal battle going on here in NJ right now because of their traffic fines being doubled in 65 mph & construction zones.

Tommy