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One of the interesting twists in the bill is that it falls only on Virginia residents; out-of-staters pay according to the old schedule.
What’s up with that?
As part of the road-improvement legislation, the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority has been given some taxing authority, and according to reports is mulling the wisdom of hiking the taxes on rental cars and hotel rooms, among other things. Those are generally pretty easy taxes to enact because their effect is mostly borne by visitors.
Finding ways to fleece visitors is a favorite occupation of many a statehouse. That Virginia has decided to take the opposite tack leaves us scratching our heads.
We want good roads and safe roads as much as anyone, but this is a plan through which too many people on too-tight budgets are going to get hurt. It qualifies as cruel and unusual punishment.
Hopefully these harsh new penalties will be reserved for habitual offenders and act as a strong deterrent for aggressive drivers rather than punishing those that an ill afford it.
The truth is, as a people, we remain remarkably free and unfettered. Celebrate that, this week in particular. Just buckle up on the drive to and fro, and obey the speed limits
Otherwise, it could cost you - big time.
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