Hopefully UPS Doesn't Do This To Your Boxes Too
An Electric Yamaha R1 MotorcycleNew Virginia Civil Fee For Traffic Tickets Is Nuts
Update: There is a petition against these fees that can be found here. VA residents, please sign!
There is a new ‘civil fee’ aka tax for Virginia residents which goes into effect July 1st, 2007…and it’s nuts. I can’t believe it somehow got through the system.
What Is It?
Any Virginia drivers that get anything from minor to major traffic violations are going to be paying a civil fee over the next 3 years that range anywhere from $250-$1,000 per year. For example a DUI will run you $750/year for 3 years, so you’ll be shelling out $2,250. How about something a little more ridiculous? Failure to use your turn signal is $350/year which is $1,050.
In Virginia anything 80mph and over is considered reckless driving…so if you are on a 65mph road, and going just 15mph over the speed limit, expect to pay either $350/year for a misdemeanor or $1,000/year for a felony.
These fees are before any sort of court fees, ticket fines, etc. It’s also on top of an annual point tax if you have enough points on your record. Judges have no say over the tax, so if you go to court and plead guilty, you are paying the full fine.
What Does This Mean And Why Is It Unfair?
This whole thing just seems to me like it was something that was created by traffic law firms. Why you ask? They will basically not have unlimited business because people would rather pay a traffic lawyer a few hundred dollars to get the chance of potentially getting any charge dropped, then to pay $750-$3,000 over 3 years on top of anything fees, fines, and charges.
I can see some of your arguments…”Drive good, don’t pay”. I agree with you, if you are breaking the law there should be a penalty, but I think that this crosses the border of excessive. For example if somebody were to steal some candy from the grocery store, they should have a fair punishment…they shouldn’t get the death penalty. The death penalty would be an excessive penalty. This fee just seems very skewed towards benefiting law firms to me.
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.
That above quote from TheNewspaper.com is exactly what I’m talking about.
This, on top of property tax on vehicles in Virginia, is really making me start to double think my residency here. I think it may be time to consider going to back to Maryland.
Do you think the fines are excessive? Or do you think it’s ok? What are the laws like where you live?
Feel free to check out the official VA Supreme Court document(PDF) explaining and breaking down the civil fees.
Subscribe via RSS
Subscribe via e-mail
E
06/27/2007 12:19 pmMove back to MD and we’ll open up shop for Tri Megatech!
Greg Sykes
07/12/2007 6:35 pmIsn’t Virginia a part of the United States? I don’t care if it calls itself a Commonwealth or a state, it’s a part of the USA. What makes these politicians think that they can discriminate against its own citizens and get away with it? If these new traffic fees cannot be applied to all motorists on the roads in Virginia, then it’s discrimination to apply it to just a few. Anyway, we all know that the money that is raised for VA will all head to Northern Virginia, leaving Southside being treated, once again, like the red headed stepchild.
Missie
07/13/2007 8:58 amWhy doesn’t VA cut back on welfare benefits instead of hurting the people driving to and from work in traffic. All this is from all the illeagals here, they can’t take thier money so they take ours.
Paul J. Smith
07/13/2007 9:50 amThis is nothing more than a CASH COW and as soon as I find out who voted for this BILL they will never get my VOTE again. I rest my case…….
Paul J. Smith
07/13/2007 9:52 amThanks for all those who never voted for this piece of trash.
David Pitlyuk
07/13/2007 9:56 amPaul, here are the house votes that voted yay:
YEAS??Albo, Alexander, Amundson, Armstrong, Athey, BaCote, Barlow, Bell, Bowling, Brink, Bulova, Callahan, Caputo, Carrico, Cosgrove, Cox, Crockett-Stark, Dance, Dudley, Ebbin, Eisenberg, Englin, Fralin, Griffith, Hall, Hamilton, Hargrove, Hogan, Howell, A.T., Hugo, Hull, Hurt, Iaquinto, Ingram, Janis, Jones, S.C., Kilgore, Landes, Lewis, Lingamfelter, Lohr, Marsden, Marshall, D.W., May, McClellan, McEachin, McQuigg, Miller, J.H., Miller, P.J., Moran, Morgan, Nixon, Nutter, O??Bannon, Oder, Orrock, Peace, Phillips, Plum, Poisson, Purkey, Putney, Rust, Saxman, Scott, E.T., Scott, J.M., Shannon, Sherwood, Shuler, Sickles, Suit, Tata, Toscano, Tyler, Valentine, Waddell, Ward, Wardrup, Ware, O., Ware, R.L., Watts, Welch, Wittman, Wright, Mr. Speaker??85.
Here are the Senate votes that voted yay:
Bell, Blevins, Colgan, Deeds, Devolites Davis, Edwards, Herring, Houck, Howell, Lambert, Marsh, McDougle, Miller, Norment, O??Brien, Potts, Puckett, Puller, Quayle, Rerras, Reynolds, Ruff, Stolle, Stosch, Ticer, Wagner, Wampler, Whipple, Williams??29.
Paul J. Smith
07/13/2007 11:31 amThanks David, will save me some resesearch, much appreciated.
Amy
07/14/2007 7:09 amTwo days ago on Thurs July 12th I was required to go to court in Va. Beach on a reckless driving charge (80 in a 55, on 264 heading to the beach.) I am a current resident of Hanover County, VA, and have +1 driving points on my DMV driving record. In summary, I appeared with an attorney, and was convicted, then handcuffed in front of the courtroom, and taken to lock-up, as the judge ruled to convict me & sentence me to a $250 fine and 10 days in jail, which he said “after all of his cases were heard, he’d bring me back out & decide if he would suspend any or all of the 10 day sentance.” Three hours later, I was brought back out, (handcuffed again,) where I guess I’m supposed to be grateful that he suspended my sentance. Of course I’m appealing his decision. Odd though, how recently, a bus driver was cited for reckless driving when the bus he crashed injured 40 people. How can my speeding & his accident fall under the same “reckless driving” citation? Not to mention my hefty driscriminatory fine which I’m sure I’ll receive if convicted in appellate court. Furthermore, in EVERY reckless driving case prior to mine in the courtroom that day, EVERy person was found guilty, and EVERY person was given some jail time, whether it was suspended or not. I also noticed that whe approaching the courthouse complex on Priness Anne Road, the speed limit was 55 mph for several miles, though it is only a two lane road. The same speed limit as 264, which has how many lanes? I would imagine Princess Anne Road is the road that the judges use daily to go to work.
What did I learn from all of this? To go somewhere else to spend my money when I have a week-end to play. I am a 41 year old working professional that pays her taxes, volunteers in my community, donates blood, and has never had an accident, dui, or crimianl conviction of any nature.
I lived in Hampton Roads over 25 years, and never thought I’d be so happy to have left. Thanks, Va Beach!
Paul J. Smith
07/14/2007 8:08 amTo set the record straight I am not a habitual offender (never had a moving violation) that is upset with the new law because of that reason. I am a responsible individual in my community and rest assured I do vote and come november you can bet I will exercise that privilege and it will not be for any of those clowns that voted for such a ridiculus law such as the new traffic law that became effective the 1 Jul 07.
Shawnn
07/14/2007 11:30 amI have to agree that the bill needs to apply to everyone on the roads in VA not just the residents. But bottom line, most of you are bitching about being caught for driving in a manner that would endanger others. Why not charge the first offender for a DUI $3,000 dollars plus fines? Or the guy that is doing 50mph in a 25mph zone as he approaches kids playing in the yards. The problem, like Amy pointed out, is that we lack consistancy thoughout the Judicial system. It is “Nuts” that a first time offender would get jail time for a traffic violation. I don’t mind the new fees, mostly because I don’t drive like an idiot, but also because I am tired of sitting in traffic after some jerkoff was driving reckless and caused an accident ahead. $3000 for vehicular manslaughter, still not enough.
Greg
07/14/2007 2:24 pmShwann said”
“But bottom line, most of you are bitching about being caught for driving in a manner that would endanger others.”
You’re either a traffic cop or someone who hasn’t been caught speeding yet. If the former isn’t true, then I guarantee you the latter is.
The bottom line is a harsh law that does not pertain to every motorist who travels VA roads and highways. That is what people here are complaining about. Yes, it’s a harsh penalty even if it did pertain to everybody on the road. But, you would have more motorists respecting the laws of VA if those laws didn’t discriminate.
Abu Sharif
07/16/2007 8:31 amI concur with everyone that’s opposed to this new law. There is nothing really to add to it other than I was hoping that there would be a petition for people to sign, and there is, thank god. I just hope this gets repealed. If people have a way to relate the site for the petitioners to sign, please post it in the supermarket bulletin boards, work place areas, residential buildings, anywhere logical, etc. As for “Old Dominion,” it’s time to bid a farewell.
Larry
07/17/2007 11:53 amIt would be so powerful to see 50K plus people bring national attention to the wrong doings of state and federal government. How to do this: walk, bike, other from the Hampton Roads tunnel to Richmond via interstate 64 to deliver this petition, shut down traffic. This is a law that will have dramatic consequences on the elderly, college students, single parent families, fixed income families, paycheck to paycheck families, welfare families etc… It’s time to stop big government! It is possible! It takes the courage of us-the people! It’s time to unite, ignite, and fight for our constitutional rights.
Paul J. Smith
07/17/2007 12:37 pmHope all of you have read the Richmond Times Dispatch this AM. It is certainly my hope the Gov isn’t of the opinion that we are going to sit still until next year for him to get the law changed and or one where the state resident would have at least equal footing. For a bunch of legal beavers to have botched up a law so bad as the Traffic Penalty Jobber that was to be introduced on 1 Jul 07 here in the State of VA has to be beyond ones most vivid imagination. I would like for all of you here that feels that David Pitlyuk deserves a big Thank you for his work with getting several K signatures for the petition to get this miscarriage of justice Repealled. Thanks David from one who has never had a moving violation.
Also gave 31 plus years for the defense of this great Country. Could talk about the State of Va not doing their part for the ol Vets, but then thats another subject.
PJ Smith(Rounder119)
All Incoming And Outgoing Mail
Certified to be Virus Free by Panda Antivirus
Updated Daily Automatically
CSM AUS Ret
David Pitlyuk
07/17/2007 1:28 pmPaul: Can you sum up about what the Richmond Times said this morning? I’m assuming based on your comment that they plan on repealing it next year.?
Not a problem playing my part, it just goes to show you that one person can make a difference
Paul J. Smith
07/17/2007 2:11 pmDavid Want you to open this Link Headlines on the Metro Section of the Times Dispatch are this “Kaine Made Fees Only For VA Motorist” http://www.inrich.com/cva/ric/news.apx.-content-articles-RTD-2007-07-17-0129.html
Let me know as you may have to copy and paste that link and put in you default browser and then open. I want people to know who said & what so they will be informed prior to signing the petion to REPEAL.
PJ Smith(Rounder119)
All Incoming And Outgoing Mail
Certified to be Virus Free by Panda Antivirus
Updated Daily Automatically
CSM AUS Ret
James R. Durham
07/18/2007 10:26 pmIf we have a law for unhance traffic safety, it should apply to all highway
users. It has been my experience, most out-of-state vehicles have very
little regard for posted speed limit signs.
Paul J. Smith
07/19/2007 1:58 pmDavid here is the latest info based upon the Times Dispatch Paper on Thursday AM Take a look here:
http://www.timesdispatch.com/cva/ric/news.apx.-content-articles-RTD-2007-07-19-0160.html
David Pitlyuk
07/19/2007 2:05 pmThanks for the link, I really hope they do not wait until Jan to re-look at this ridiculous bill.
Paul J. Smith
07/20/2007 8:36 amDavid another article and it is basically saying that the GOP and the Dems are in agreement about stalling the problem till the next session of Gen Asmb Jan 08. What they are failing to realize IS that the people that put them where they are and can remove their rotten posteriors just might have a difference of opinion. We need to flood our State Senators and Representatives email boxes til it overfloweth. Wanted all our readers to know what the Gov and his staff are telling the news people here in Richmond. Thanks my friends the article in the Times Dispatch on Fri 20 Jul 07 can be read right chere: http://www.timesdispatch.com/cva/ric/news.apx.-content-articles-RTD-2007-07-20-0168.html
David Pitlyuk
07/20/2007 8:44 am“Griffith, a lawyer, who — like Albo — handles traffic cases, said the new law could cut into his business.
“We’re going to tell our clients, ‘Hey, I’m not going to challenge its constitutionality. You may want another lawyer,’” said Griffith. “It’s going to cost us a few clients.”"
That is the most ridiculous thing I’ve read! Except for all of the new clients he’s going to be getting from people that will NEED to get a lawyer now to try and be proven innocent in order to avoid a $1,000 fine for something like failure to use turn signal.
Phyllis K.
07/20/2007 5:01 pmWas everyone asleep when this passed? What were they thinking for not including everyone. If someone from out of state is caught drunk driving, do they get off? Just asking!!!
Paul J. Smith
07/21/2007 10:26 amAnother article in the times dispatch about the Fines and
Fees law eff 1Jul07. All about lawyers here in Henrico county going to court checking laws constitutionality (status of the law) One can read the article here: http://www.timesdispatch.com/cva/ric/news.apx.-content-articles-RTD-2007-07-21-0155.html
PJ Smith(Rounder119)
All Incoming And Outgoing Mail
Certified to be Virus Free by Panda Antivirus
Updated Daily Automatically
CSM AUS Ret
Paul J. Smith
07/25/2007 8:33 amDavid wanted you and the rest of our people to know they are coming apart at the seams. Not sure what the politicians call it, but when I called the roll in the military it was breaking ranks. Think they are afraid come Nov they might find themselves on the outside wanting to get in to warm up a bit. Think it was a prediction. http://www.inrich.com/cva/ric/news.apx.-content-articles-RTD-2007-07-25-0088.html
David Pitlyuk
07/25/2007 10:05 amThanks for the link, that’s great news for us trying to get the fines repealed!
Paul J. Smith
08/02/2007 5:17 pmLatest on the New Law eff 1 Jul 07 Fines and Penalaties for traffic violations. Judge Yeatts Henrico County rules law unconstitual. They need to deep six that law before it costs the state a ton of money trying to make it stick. Anyway spread the news David……..Paul
http://www.inrich.com/cva/ric/news.apx.-content-articles-RTD-2007-08-02-0226.html
David Pitlyuk
08/02/2007 5:19 pmPaul: Thanks for the update. So what does this mean though?
Heather Derusha
02/23/2008 11:55 pmShame on Virginia resident’s that think expensive traffic ticket’s are unreasonable.
With Over 42,000 traffic fatalities (116 people killed a day) on A
David Pitlyuk
02/24/2008 3:42 amAccidents are a given anywhere. I would assume (although don’t quote me) the majority of accidents don’t happen because of something that would have caused a traffic ticket (ex: speeding).