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New spin on speeding tickets...

Discussion in 'General Chat Forum' started by sds, Jun 27, 2007.

  1. sds

    sds New Member

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  2. Mr. Linux

    Mr. Linux Senior Member & Moderator Forum Staff

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    Read the fine print; the extra fines only go into effect when you accumulate 8 demerit points AFTER July 1st.

    And the reason why out of state drivers are exempt is because the way the state is going to enforce the payment of the fines, is that they will revoke your license. Virginia cannot revoke the license of any other state.

    What this means is that if you drive like an idiot on a regular basis and get ticketed, you'll eventually start paying the civil fines. If you ask me, I'm all for it. Let the morons who can't drive pay for accidents, roads, etc.
     
  3. latka

    latka Active Member

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    The theory of unintended consequences will kick in and the courts will be gridlocked. This will never last.
     
  4. Lee

    Lee Permanent Vacation

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    I agree with Mr. Linux, only the idiots have to worry.

    Lee j
     
  5. Kaosdad

    Kaosdad Will work for Rum

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    I re-read the article and I don't see that. I see that you will get hit for $75 for every point you have above 8 AND $100 for just having that many points. But I think all of the other "Variable Registration Fees" kick in on day 1 for everyone.
     
  6. Baywatch68

    Baywatch68 New Member

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    you are correct
     
  7. Mr. Linux

    Mr. Linux Senior Member & Moderator Forum Staff

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    The article doesn't give the full story. Gov. Tim Kaine was on Ask the Governor on WTOP yesterday and explained it all. You can catch the segment via an MP3 file on the WTOP website:

    http://www.wtopnews.com/?sid=611201&nid=524

    I based my above comments on what I heard the Governor say, which I would assume (and hope) is more accurate.
     
  8. Kaosdad

    Kaosdad Will work for Rum

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    Ah! OK, thanks!
     
  9. sds

    sds New Member

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    oh, this one's a gem too...

    "Prosecutors say that in addition to possibly handling more trials, judges might suspend fines they usually impose, knowing that a heavier civil fee awaits. The money from fines will go to county governments, which could then face a decline in revenue. Funds from the new fees will go to the state."
     
  10. Mr. Linux

    Mr. Linux Senior Member & Moderator Forum Staff

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    Don't the judges work for the county/city in which the infraction was made? If so, what incentive would they have to suspend the fines, which in a way, pay their salaries? I think the reporter's logic is flawed...
     
  11. sds

    sds New Member

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    i don't know where the prosecutors came up with this theory, but they are in the courts every day, they speak to the judges on a regular basis, it doesn't sound too far fetched to me.

    yes, some judges *might* suspend their usual fines (or lower them). it is their job to be fair and just, and i'm sure more than one judge will see the "poor tax" flaw of this bill and give some people a little less $$$ to stress over. the bottom line is, the large fine won't deter some people from speeding, if they can afford to pay it, and it can and will put the squeeze on many people who are barely getting by, they could lose jobs and then collect unemployment and public aid. then we're just moving the money (or losing the money), not making it.

    and it's not just the "idiots" who have to worry, some "idiot's" parents need to worry A LOT. i didn't know too many teens growing up that didn't get at least one speeding ticket, it was almost a right of passage...and i'm sure there are exceptions, teens with perfect driving records, especially here in broadlands, home of the flawless teenagers, but still.
     
  12. latka

    latka Active Member

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    Judges can reduce the carge if they are so inclined. I'm sure they aren't too happy about the probable increase in trials for speeding and the back log of DUI cases this might cause.
     
  13. Mr. Linux

    Mr. Linux Senior Member & Moderator Forum Staff

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    We're talking about REPEAT OFFENDERS here, folks with 8 demerit points or more. Honestly, if my teenage son/daughter had accumulated over 8 demerit points, do you really think I would still be handing them the car keys? Parents who do are welcome to pay the extra fines for their own stupidity...
     
  14. Mr. Linux

    Mr. Linux Senior Member & Moderator Forum Staff

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    This new law will not cause more work for judges; they'll still hear cases during their 'work hours'. Judges won't have to work extra hours just because there are more cases... Only thing it MIGHT do is add to the queue, but all that is speculation. As for the backlog of DUI cases, that's where these fines technically hit the hardest. You get to 8 demerit points a whole lot faster with a DUI than with speeding, and I have no mercy for anyone with a DUI.
     
  15. foodie

    foodie New Member

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    Mr. Linux and others--

    Amen! People that speed should get tickets and points on their records. Yes--I have received tickets in the past--luckily not any points or fines since I finished college years ago. You have to slow down in neighborhoods and watch for the kids playing.

    One of my friends in Cascades told us recently of a child who was hit on her bicycle in their subdivision because a driver was not paying attention to their driving or surroundings. Thank God--the kid was okay and the bike was dented--not the kid. The driver got fined pretty heavily I would imagine.

    Keeps you on your toes--

    Foodie
     
  16. T8erman

    T8erman Well-Known Member

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    DUI's and "felony" ticket fines are not predicated on the 8 points.
     
  17. sds

    sds New Member

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    hmmm...failing to give a proper signal is a six pointer...so is 15 over on a highway...this isn't just about repeat offenders or drunk drivers. ...follow the money, people.

    "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)... 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."

    http://www.thenewspaper.com/news/18/1818.asp
     
  18. latka

    latka Active Member

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    DuI and other felony driving crimes are often plead down to lesser crimes because the courts are already over burdened, especially in Fairfax County.
     
  19. Kaosdad

    Kaosdad Will work for Rum

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    I wonder what "Road Rage" will get you.

    And, oh, by the way - IMHO commit an offense against a motorcycleist (cut them off, fail to yield, etc.) triple the fine and add tar & feathers!
     
  20. latka

    latka Active Member

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    Actually, Even one speed conviction of 20 miles per hour over the speed limit incurs these fines, even with NO previous demerit points.
     

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