Virginia House Bill 3202/Chapter 896 Civil Remedial Fees

[solarize]

Anyone heard of this?

It looks rather ominous to me, especially for the poor. Traffic violations could get very expensive...into the thousands of dollars.

Basically, this law attaches extra fines for traffic violations starting July 1, 2007. If one doesn't pay the extra fine amount, their license is taken away.

http://www.courts.state.va.us/publications/hb_3202.pdf

[Virginian]

1. Just what we need, more people driving on suspended licenses.

n/t

[MatrixEscape]

2. Virginians need to react strongly to this one and I think they will!

Not only is it going to wreak havoc in many ways, if left unchallenged, it could spread to more states. Highway robbery?

Once again, "safety" is the key word used to impose these "fees" -- even if they are excessive and far too inclusive. This is not the right way to make up for the financial failures of the Transportation Department and avoid the tax issue that comes from it.

Some petitions and activism are in order. More people need to know about this, as well. I know VA residents that are really steamed by this and are emailing and calling everyone they know, calling delegates, and even posting leaflets. Sounds like this bill is so unpopular that people are moving on it!

I think the people of Virginia can organize on this one and not just sit back and take it. People who get hit with these "fees" after the 1st and don't know about this debacle of a bill will certainly be shocked as well as financially punched in the gut. Maybe that will add fuel to the drive to repeal this quickly?

Here is a petition:
http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/VAtrafficfees/

[Hypervista]

3. List of VA House and Senate Members and How They Voted

Here are links to the VA House and Senate votes on HB 3202. These links show who voted Yea and who voted Nay:

http://leg1.state.va.us/cgi-bin/legp504.exe?071+vot+SV3937HB3202+HB3202

http://leg1.state.va.us/cgi-bin/legp504.exe?071+vot+HV1767+HB3202

[lynne]

4. Actually, I have no problem with this -

- the fines are for the most severe violations, not for your regular speed or fail to obey signal. Many of them are for commercial vehicle violations. A good number are for different DUI violations and I personally feel any DUI fines should be even MORE.

I do think there will be a learning curve with this as more people will likely take tickets to court to fight them instead of just paying the fine, placing a burden on the courts.

BUT, maybe the threat of these huge fines will cause people to think twice before drinking and driving or driving without insurance. That would certainly be a positive aspect. And - if they don't - their fine will help finance new VA roads. Also a positive aspect. Looks like a Win-Win to me.

[Ice2000]

5. Then you need to read the bill and stop listening to political talking points!!

Let me give you a couple of the infractions that indicate to me this is not about "severe violations"

Operating a vehicle with an obscene bumper sticker?

Operating a vehicle with bad tires?

This is a failure to govern by both our political parties, Now they are all trying to to spin the facts.

Please read the bill..

[lynne]

8. I've read the bill several times and have copies available -

- for my clients that may find themselves in such situations. There is no abusive driver fee listed for obscene bumper sticker. There is a fee charged for "obscene video image visible outside vehicle", which is a misdemeanor. The tire related fee is "operate a motor vehicle with below standard tires", also a misdemeanor. Considering the number of 18 wheelers on VA roads and the speed they travel, they should be fined for using below standard tires.

The fees are applicable only to violations that are misdemeanors or felony's. My only problem with this law is that it is restricted to Virginia drivers. It should include everyone.

[underpants]

9. I agree and also -Where was all this outrage when the GA was discussing it?

This is more illuminating than it is anything else. I don't know about the rest of the state but all the energy I hear about this here in Richmond it is no wonder that everyone else in this state calls us "The whiners"

Where was all this movement when the transportation bill was being forming, met on , and debated? Isn't that the reason we HAVE a representative democracy?? I keep hearing about how we, Virginians, had the first one...seems to me that everyone would rather talk about the past rather than take a look at not only the future but what is right in front of their faces.

Seriously people. Get involved. In getting over your fear of government you may find out that it can work for you.

I think I will submit a LTTE to the Rag.

[Autobot77]

6. I just read they were struck down

A judge ruled them to be unconstitutional.

http://www.inrich.com/cva/ric/news.apx.-content-articles-RTD-2007-08-02-0226.html

[Vadem]

7. Only in Henrico County, as of now..... n/t