VA Drivers Beware New "Fees"

[jhm5]

i'm not sure just what traffic violations would result in these new "fees" on top of regular fines -- certainly reckless driving cases which Virginians know includes 20-and-over speeding tickets -- but read the following links about fees to take effect July first. It's the way Virginia lawmakers avoided raising taxes -- pile on fees instead.

news articles:
http://ourvalley.org/news.php?viewStory=831

http://www.dnronline.com/news_detail...D=10714&CHID=1

court document:
http://www.courts.state.va.us/publications/hb_3202.pdf

[ErikT]

"For instance, an offender charged and convicted of reckless driving for going 20 mph over the speed limit would pay the traffic fines and court costs, plus be accessed a $1,000 civil fee. One-third of the civil fee would have to be paid the day of the conviction. The rest would be paid in two equal installments over the next two years."

Whoa, that's no joke.

I hope the judges/officers would use some descretion about that civil fee.

[AlfaEric]

Drivers from out of state will not be penalized by the civil system of fees because “the state can not go beyond its borders to collect the (civil) fees,” said Moore. “These fees are for Virginia residents and those with a permit listing a Virginia address.”

Well, that's a relief.

---Eric

[OwnedbyDuncan]

Civil fees should apply to all drivers not just us Virginians. Not sure if that is fair or constitutional? I am sure it will be challenged in court.

The Va Republicans in the House did not want to raise taxes and this is their backdoor solution to help pay for roads. Not sure if it will raise enough revenue and we will see the same battles again. As long as the tax increase goes to the roads specifically in NOVA I dont have a problem but really nice roads in Bath County dont do me any good most days unless I am travelling down that way for a herding trial and to pick up some untaxed good corn liquor. Any tax increase should be offset with a reduction in school spending and teachers salaries.

And Woody you need to careful starting July 1st is against the law to play adult oriented videos on your in car DVD player if it visible to those outside the vehicle. So be careful Woody when you are watching "Grandma Does the Arlington Lawn Bowling Team" or "Cougars Nite Out"

Dave Apker and the Collies

[AlfaEric]

And Woody you need to careful starting July 1st is against the law to play adult oriented videos on your in car DVD player if it visible to those outside the vehicle. So be careful Woody when you are watching "Grandma Does the Arlington Lawn Bowling Team" or "Cougars Nite Out"

Dave Apker and the Collies

At least it's only VA

---Eric

[OwnedbyDuncan]

Hey I would rather watch adult oriented videos when I am stuck behind someones SUV or minivan then Barney or Thomas the Tank Engine. My real preference would be for them to throw a DVD from the series One Man and His Dog. Woof!

Dave Apker and the collies

[1996 328ti]

It doesn't take long to go off topics.

No inspection or front plate laws in SC.

[Phat Ham]

hmm I have an uncle in South Carolina. I might could use his address n git me sum dem nascurr plates.

[orijinal_poser]

hmm I have an uncle in South Carolina. I might could use his address n git me sum dem nascurr plates.

git r dun!

[jhm5]

Wash Post front page ...
"attorneys, prosecutors and judges expect chaos..."
"it's basically a lawyer full employment act..."

http://www.washingtonpost.com/

Hefty Fees In Store for Misbehaving Va. Drivers

By Tom Jackman
Washington Post Staff Writer
Saturday, June 23, 2007; Page A01

Say you are driving 78 mph on the Capital Beltway and a state trooper tickets you for "reckless driving -- speeding 20 mph over." You will probably be fined $200 by the judge. But then you will receive a new, additional $1,050 fine from the Old Dominion, payable in three convenient installments. So convenient that you must pay the first one immediately, at the courthouse.

[OwnedbyDuncan]

And one defense attorney intends on challenging the constitutionality of the law since the civil fees only apply to VA drivers. So this will not be settled for years. He needs to apply for an immediate injunction.

I work with lawyers and their goal is to keep themselves employed. make the process complicated so they have to keep us around and the poor applicant needs to hire an attorney too. Other DOD agencies doing the exact same thing do it quicker and with less bias without lawyers.

Send them all to GITMO without due process.

Will be interesting to see what happens if these laws dont generate enough revenue to build and maintain the roads. Maybe all the additional billable hours for lawyers will generate more tax revenue. Doubt it!

Dave Apker and the collies

[odortiz]

it looks like the beginning of the end to me. how far will they go before somebody starts a revolution. kind-of encourages evading.

they could make realistic speed limits, but where's the money in that?

[Barry]

Say you are driving 78 mph on the Capital Beltway and a state trooper tickets you for "reckless driving -- speeding 20 mph over." You will probably be fined $200 by the judge. But then you will receive a new, additional $1,050 fine from the Old Dominion, payable in three convenient installments. So convenient that you must pay the first one immediately, at the courthouse.[/QUOTE]

The additional $1,050 fine seems extreme and punitive.
Are there any attorney's out there who can comment on the legality of punitive fines??
Barry

[chicane]

This law is an abomination that will be overturned in short order.
For starters with these kind of outrageous fees it makes it more than practical to now hire a lawyer to defend you in traffic court (gee wonder who sponsored this bill), so that means that once simple traffic violations are going to turn into a complete Law & Order spectacle. Second, most of the "average folk" who cannot even think about paying an exorbitant sum like $1K, $2K, or $3000.00 are now going to end up driving on a suspended license rather than pay the fines. Way to go General Assembly.

[chicane]

This petition to repeal the new VA traffic laws is gaining momentum by the second:
http://www.petitiononline.com/va3202/petition.html

Oh, by the way if you happen to forget your wallet at home and get caught driving without your license...that will be an extra $900.00 please!