Increased Fines on First Time Offenders
Take a look at this article from The Daily Press in Hampton Roads about proposed legislation to increase traffic fines to fund transportation projects. The proposed bill would impose an additional $100 fine for traffic offenses that carry penalties of four demerit points. Such offenses include speeding 10-19, failure to use a turn signal and following too closely. But it does not end there.
If you carry a balance of at least 4 demerit points, you will be assessed an annual penalty of $100, plus another $75 fine for each additional demerit point beyond four. The bill has been labeled an "abusive driver" bill, despite the fact that only two violations could subject a person to these stiffer penalties.
The problem I have with this bill is the potential collateral effects it could have on the judicial system as well as the general population. A large segment of our population already does not have the financial ability to pay for traffic fines assessed to them. As a result, many violators have their licenses suspended for not paying the fines, but continue to drive out of necessity. I am in no way condoning such behavior, but at the same time realize that for some, there may be no other way to get to work, the doctor, the grocery store, etc. If the General Assembly were to pass this bill, we will only see an increase in this problem as more people will be unable to afford the fines being proposed. Our court system will subsequently become even more congested than it currently is. Anyone who has spent a morning in traffic court can attest that it can be as bad if not worse than waiting at DMV.
Interesting to note that a patron of this bill, David Albo, is a prominent Northern Virginia defense attorney. Northern Virginia, revenue for highway projects? You do the math.
I completely disagree with these penalties. It comes as no surprise it is proposed by a man who seldom, if ever drives himself anywhere. I think that a private company should be investigating the work that is currently being done. I can't even begin to count the number of times I have driven by a road work site in Norfolk Va. - only to watch 6-10 guys standing around doing NOTHING. I see 3 Norfolk City Department trucks & 6-8 guys, sitting at "Hardees" getting breakfast at 9:30 in the morning on Tidewater Dr. The list goes on and on. An independent company should be in charge of watching the progress (or lack of) on these jobs. THAT is how you spend less, and get more. Get rid of the dead wood, and high people who will WORK!
Posted by: Bonnie In Virginia | March 25, 2007 at 05:38 PM
Recently when I was on I-64 going thru HRBT east to west about 90% or more were driving l0 to l5 miles over the speed limit. I have also noticed this in Hampton and York County on I-64. This appears to indicate that 90% or more on I-64 may be abusive driving. If the speed limit is suddenly enforced dropping driving speeds to around 60 this may result in a big traffic backup.
Posted by: Ed Clark | March 28, 2007 at 04:02 PM
All just another form of taxation from the goverment.. Be happy that you don't live in canada where we're taxed about 20% more then americans on average
Posted by: Rebecca Johnson | May 12, 2007 at 01:45 PM
Even though I don't live in Virginia this law terrifies me. When the purpose of a ticket changes from correcting behavior to raising revenue, the incentive to abuse the system increases dramaticly. In the old days speed traps existed for a twenty dollar ticket, now the temptation is driven by a $2500 fine and a $350 a year extra tax for three years. And anyone could think that the police and officials won't cheat?
My only relief is that I no longer have to drive through Virginia and the Washington politicians and bureaucrats do.
Posted by: Chris Ness | July 04, 2007 at 08:13 AM