$3,000 Traffic Ticket

[Mrs Behavin]

(July 1) - Virginia is for lovers, or so the state slogan has declared since 1969. Starting today, Virginia also will be the home of the $3,000 traffic ticket. In an effort to raise money for road projects, the state will start hitting residents who commit serious traffic offenses with huge civil penalties.

The new civil charges range from $750 to $3,000 and be added to existing fines and court costs. The civil penalty for going 20 mph over the speed limit will be $1,050, plus $61 in court costs and a fine that is typically about $200.

Virginia's traffic law is one of several thousand new state laws that take effect Sunday. Jan. 1 and July 1 are the most popular dates for state laws to become official.

July 1 is especially popular for new taxes and fees because it's the start of the budget year in 46 states. For example, Arkansas will cut its sales tax on groceries from 6% to 3% Sunday.

Virginia's new traffic penalties are expected to raise $65 million a year and are part of an effort to improve the state's roads without raising taxes.

A first-time drunken driver will face a $2,250 civil penalty, plus fines and court costs that typically run about $500 or more. Driving without a license? That's a mandatory $900 civil penalty, in addition to the ordinary $100 for a fine and court costs.

"It's outrageous," says traffic court attorney Thaddeus Furlong of Springfield, Va. "When Mr. and Mrs. Middle Class find out what they have to pay, there's going to be a backlash like you've never seen."

Some other states impose extra civil penalties for traffic offenses, but the cost is usually $100 or $200, Furlong says. "What sets this apart is the Draconian size of the civil penalties," he says.

Another difference: The civil penalties apply only to Virginia residents, not out-of-state drivers. Virginians must pay in three installments over 26 months or lose their licenses. The state Legislature didn't think it could enforce the extra penalties in other states.

Motorist club AAA Mid-Atlantic supports the new penalties.

Story - Virginians Face $3,000 Traffic Ticket - AOL News

 

[Suzie]

My brother got a speeding ticket in VA..it was a few months ago, but it was on his way moving here. He was going 90. He missed his court date for it last week cuz his jaw is still wired shut.

 

[AUDRAA]

you beat me to it Amy I was so going to post this today
Im sure glad I dont live in VA

 

[BreakfastSurreal]

well, people would truly have to be idiots to speed now since this law has passed. I say if someone gets caught committing that serious of a traffic violation after knowing that they could be fined up to $3,000, then they deserve the $3,000 fine!

 

[GuesSAngel]

well, people would truly have to be idiots to speed now since this law has passed. I say if someone gets caught committing that serious of a traffic violation after knowing that they could be fined up to $3,000, then they deserve the $3,000 fine!

:withstupid:

plus why are people always in a rush?? If you should get caught speeding in any circumstance you deserve the tickets...um that's why we follow that thing called 'laws'

 

[dt3]

I speed all the time, but I don't get mad when I get caught...

 

[Jersey]

arkansas has a sales tax on groceries?

we dont...

 

[icecuban]

this is complicated, i mean, people make mistakes, average people, and one mistake now could really screw someone over good. i know you would have to be an idiot if you know the consequences and still do it, but anyone goes through moments of idiocy, and i think the penalty would hurt more then it might atchieve, but thats what the state wants, and if people dont like their state anymore, they should either fight it, or move.

 

[NightWarrior]

I got popped doing 90 in a 70 a few weeks ago. $295 later it is dropped to improper equipment. Gotta love NC.

 

[NightWarrior]

arkansas has a sales tax on groceries?

we dont...

Most states do. Here it is 2% on food, 7% on everything else. I'd still take the 2% food tax than the 400% car insurance tax you guys get up there in Jersey

 

[Suzie]

I'd still take the 2% food tax than the 400% car insurance tax you guys get up there in Jersey

One of the many reasons why I left.

 

[GraceAbounds]

well, people would truly have to be idiots to speed now since this law has passed. I say if someone gets caught committing that serious of a traffic violation after knowing that they could be fined up to $3,000, then they deserve the $3,000 fine!

You typed the words right out of my mouth.