Virginia Called Out in the Washington Times for Latest Reckless Driving Scam

Just when you thought Virginia had learned a lesson in becoming unpopular by gouging the people, they have taken to the highways anew like robbers of ancient times to waylay travellers to relieve them of their valuables. Yes, Virginia has stepped in it again.

Remember the "abusive driver fees" a/k/a enhanced civil forfeitures that the General Assembly enacted back in '07? They were so incredibly unpopular that the politicians immediately repealed and refunded the onerous fees for fear of being run out of office.

Problem was, that left them with a little hole in their budget. The intended effect was an additional $385,000,000.00 for the state’s coffers. But the legislature took things a step too far in their attempt to squeeze the golden goose. They applied these new fees to reckless driving by speed, attempting to charge Virginia drivers (but not out of state drivers) an additional $1,050
for driving 81 MPH in a 70 MPH zone, which resulted in a massive public outcry.

In their latest move, VDOT has erected variable speed limit signs that display different speeds at different times. Even if you are used to travelling in a 55 zone, you might find yourself in the same location but subjected to a new speed limit of 35 Miles Per Hour. Result: Reckless Driving charge. Fine: up to $2,500. Jail: up to 12 months. License Suspension: up to 6 months. In a recent editorial in the Washington Times, this was exposed as the latest Virginia speeding ticket scam.

"According to VDOT, the program is designed to tell motorists how fast they should drive to achieve optimum traffic flow. It is not clear how confusion about a speed limit on a highway can help traffic flow smoothly. The more obvious explanation is that variable speed limits are about revenue, and we are sure VDOT will succeed at squeezing lots of money out of drivers with this scam."