New VA tax law goes into affect 1 July 2010. Might want to pass this
info around to your friends and families. Cost can accumulate rather
swiftly. It only applies to Virginia Residents.
Good information for everyone. Please pass along. In short,
10-15 mph over the posted speed limit is now $3,500 (after a new points tax that was introduced) in the state of Virginia. Here is the link
Virginia Introduces $3550 Speeding Ticket
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.
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
Driver Responsibility Programs Mean Steady Revenue for States
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. Update: View which legislators support a repeal, link to online
petition
New Virginia Speeding Fines Losing Support in Legislature
Source: PDF FileCivil Remedial Fees
http://www.thenewspaper.com/rlc/docs...-drivertax.pdf
(Executive
Secretary, Virginia Supreme Court, 6/21/2007)
That is why I can't wait to leave this freaking state!! 