WDBJ7 Roanoke News and Weather NRV Lynchburg Danville | Drivers beware: New law places hefty fines on bad drivers
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You'll want to think twice about speeding. A new Virginia law places hefty fines on bad drivers. On top of criminal fines and court costs, those who break the law will also have to pay civil fines of $300 to $1,000.
Blowing through a stop light, passing a school bus while it's stopped, and driving over 80 miles per hour on any road are all against the law. Starting Sunday you'll pay dearly for doing so. They're called abuser fees. They were included in the legislature's transportation bill to raise money for new roads and rail.
Right now if you fail to turn without giving a signal, a judge can fine you up to $2,500, with a $50 court cost. The abuser fees for that crime are three payments of $350. That $1,050 does not include a criminal fine.
DUI related offenses will cost more than $2,200 over three years. Reckless Driving will be more than $1,000. If you drive on a suspended license, be prepared to pay $750.
Judges do not have the power to suspend abuser fees, but some believe they may start softening criminal fines to lessen the blow on offenders. Still others are hopeful higher fees will make Virginia safer to travel.
The abuser fee for any felony driving offense is three payments of $1,000. Vehicle registration fees are also going up. Starting Sunday, the cost will go up $10 for all Virginians.
