Sunday, August 26, 2007

Just How Abusive Are These New Virginia Driver Fees?

There has been a lot of press coverage lately on the "Abusive Driver Fees" currently in effect in the State of Virginia.

What hasn't been written about a lot is exactly the types of violations that are covered under the law, and what they will cost the unsuspecting (Virginian) driver. To be clear, the following list shows what fees will be assessed-- in addition to the normal fines and court costs:

$250 Fee:

Driving on a suspended license or without a license
An employee unsuspectingly driving a work vehicle that
. has been ordered out of service
$300 Fee:

Refusing to take a blood or breath test for the 2nd time
Open alcohol container in vehicle
Possession of a fake ID
Failing to notify law enforcement of an accident that
. resulted in injury
Operating an uninsured vehicle
Disregarding police signal to stop
Blocking access to a service area with your vehicle
Failing to stop at the scene of an accident
Failing to reduce speed when approaching an emergency
. vehicle displaying lights
Failing to stop for blind pedestrian
Driving a vehicle with below-standard tires
Driving a vehicle that has not had registration fees paid
Driving a vehicle that has obscene video images visible
. from outside the windows

$350 Fee:

Reckless driving
Passing on the crest of a hill or the curve of a highway
Driving a vehicle with contents that obscure driver's view
. of side or back
Passing a stopped school bus
Failing to signal a turn
Exceeding a reasonable speed, given circumstances or
. road conditions (regardless of posted limit)
Speeding 20 MPH over limit or in excess of 80 MPH

$750 Fee:

DWI or DUI, first or second offense
Person under 21 driving after consuming any alcohol

$1,000 Fee:

Unauthorized use of a vehicle
DWI or DUI, 3rd offense
Disregarding police signal to stop, if the officer deems you are
. interfering with an investigation or endangering a person
Failure to stop at an accident, if someone was injured/died
. or damages exceeded $1,000

.

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