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Does Virginia new traffic fines violate Eighth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution

Discussion in 'General Chat Forum' started by GeorgeSC, Jul 2, 2007.

  1. GeorgeSC

    GeorgeSC Southern Walker

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    Doesn't the eighth amendment protect us from such rediculous fines? I do not think there are any other states, near us, that have such absurd fines. :confused:

    "Amendment VIII: Bail and fines.

    Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted. "


    Wouldn't these new fines be considered excessive, cruel and unusual? :confused:

    $3550, for speeding, then regular fine + court fees, and lets not forget insurance rates go up too....
     
  2. Kaosdad

    Kaosdad Will work for Rum

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    We'll find out when the first case is brought forth!
     
  3. broken skull

    broken skull New Member

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    I also think they are skirting the rules by not technically calling them fines. They are calling them registration fees or something along those lines.
     
  4. Mazinger

    Mazinger New Member

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    They're not called fines, but fees which in reality is taxes.

    That's the reason only VA residents can be charged with them.
     
  5. Mazinger

    Mazinger New Member

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  6. GeorgeSC

    GeorgeSC Southern Walker

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  7. Silly Yak

    Silly Yak Member

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    They are only on the serious traffic violations, so are you pissed that this will impede on your gross negligence?
     
  8. Lee

    Lee Permanent Vacation

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    I don't get it!!! the law is the law and people should be punished for breaking it.

    Very serious violations should be punished even harsher.

    I think the red light cameras are great and they should be put up for speeders too.

    I guess the people here against these tough laws are also for Libby being pardoned and for Paris Hilton going to jail. Does not make any sense. Like I tell my kids want to speed take it to the race track. We don't live in the open country here, we live in a very crowded place and the traffic laws need to be tough and enforced.

    Lee j
     
  9. kahlua1

    kahlua1 New Member

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    I think they were saying these stiff fines were really for the most reckless speeds as they showed someone going 88mph on the toll road. Now, I sometimes wonder if anyone does drive the posted 55mph? BUT I think 88 is VERY fast and I can see how this would be reckless.

    However, the thing I find unfair about this is that these fines are "only for VA residents." Joe from WVA, MD or DC can drive reckless while passing thru and just get a small fine but if a VA resident he is charged much more for the same offense. In an area such as Northern VA where we have several bordering states as well as I-95 with all the travelers, this just does not seem right?
     
  10. Kaosdad

    Kaosdad Will work for Rum

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    :confused: Whut? Are you saying Paris should NOT have gone to Jail? :huh:

    I think the reasons for the outcry can be catagorized in three camps:

    1) "I'm a really lousy driver and this is gonna hurt!"
    2) Stop playing word games, call them a fine and levy them against ALL drivers. I relly do not want some out of towner ripping up my streets. VA residents do that just fine, thanks.
    3) OK, you bozos in Richmond can't get the budget right, so now you are coming up with this srupid "voluntary tax" scheme. Quit insulting me and just admit you goofed.

    Personally, I'm in camps 2 & 3. Just cut the games and get on with it. KTHXBAI.
     
  11. Kaosdad

    Kaosdad Will work for Rum

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    Oh, and what proves "out of state" status? Can I keep my residence in Broadlands, get a WVA post office box & plates and skirt not only these fines, but also the car tax AND not have to have the vehicle inspected?
     
  12. Zeratul

    Zeratul Well-Known Member

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    ...and yes other states do similar things with regard to fines. New Jersey has had fines like this for years and it only apples to NJ drivers because of the same legal issues. They just happen to call them "surcharges" and "renewal" fees. And they typically string them out over the course of 3 years.... and believe me these have passed the test of the courts long ago.
     
  13. GeorgeSC

    GeorgeSC Southern Walker

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    No, it was just a question.
     
  14. latka

    latka Active Member

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    Could you be any more melodramatic?
     
  15. techygirl

    techygirl New Member

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    I think the offenses in this case are irrelevant. If laws are passed that impede on our Constitutional rights, then there is a problem. The past 6 years, we have seen our Contitutional rights being slowly chipped away. To me, this is just another example.
     
  16. Lee

    Lee Permanent Vacation

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    I am sure our politicians will blame this on terrorist also.
    Our rights are being eroded and everytime it seems terrorists are responsible. Let the people in office have to live like the average american and I bet things will change. Right now Obama is the only person running that is truly for the people and listens to them.;) He must be doing something right as he has raised the most money, Romney does not count as most of his money was raised from Mormons and his religion has way too much influence in his decision making for him to get elected.

    Lee j

     
  17. T8erman

    T8erman Well-Known Member

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    Constitutional right to what??? To be able to drive like an idiot?

    I personally think that traffic fines/taxes/fees (whatever you want to call them) are significantly too low in the first place. Current fees are not enough of a deterant to prevent people from driving like fools and putting other drivers at risk.

    I think they should just significantly raise ALL traffic fines and not have the "tax".
     
  18. VTAlum

    VTAlum New Member

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    The only thing about this that alarmed me is some of the smaller fines that can get people who may not even know about them such as "obstruction of view" meaning if you have a tag for school or work on your rear view mirror you could face 6 points and a fine (or tax rather) of $350 a year for 3 years (I believe it was). If you read the fine print on those parking tags they actually say you should remove them when you're not actually parked... but how many people actually really do that or know about it? I personally just keep everything off my mirror so this one wouldn't effect me, but I'm wondering how many people are going to get hammered with a $1000 tax over 3 years because of such a stupid rule they didn't even know about that the state all of a sudden starts to enforce because they now know they can get money from it.

    Another one I noticed everyone doing is "failure to signal". Its a huge pet peeve of mine - I hate people who don't signal, but it seems everyone does it! This is now a 6 point offence and carries similar fines to the one mentioned above from what I've heard. Again, not one that would effect me, but even with my opinion of those who do it, I still think that’s a little absurd to fine so much for something like that.

    The one that really burns me though is that out of state drivers will not be hit with this. Although these fines/taxes are likely to not affect me at all... it annoys me beyond belief that VA can get away with charging its own citizens these fines without getting the out of state drivers who are probably less likely to care about running one of us off the road from speeding or driving recklessly since its not their own neighbors they’re doing it to.
     
  19. Silence Dogood99

    Silence Dogood99 New Member

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    How many of you go 35mph on Waxpool between the Regency/Ashburn Village and Waxpool/Ashburn Ice Rink?

    There is an example of where it would be REALLY easy to be going 50 or even 55 without anyone around, with no residential area, very little traffic at most times...and just get killed with a huge fine.

    I am fine with enforcing laws, but this is a money grab.
     
  20. woopity

    woopity cdubs ya know!

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    i'll see if i can write them off on my taxes and see if the IRS catches it then :)
     

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