Reply #32: Don't know whether applauds are in order but VA pols made it clear why they raised ticket fees

[flashl]

Virginia Introduces $3550 Speeding Ticket

6/21/2007

Virginia legislator introduces new speeding ticket tax that boosts penalties beyond $3550, driving business to his traffic law firm.

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), lawmakers slipped a driver responsibility tax into a larger transportation funding bill signed by Governor Tim Kaine (D) in April. 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.

"The purpose of the civil remedial fees imposed in this section is to generate revenue," the new law states. (Virginia Code 46.2-206.1)

The Newspaper.com

Lawmakers desperate or drinking too much kool-aid?

After the fury that ensued, IIRC the 'revenue generating' law has been rescinded.