VA Driver Fines Struck Down

Constitutional Law

Posted Aug 3, 2007, 08:54 am CST
By Debra Cassens Weiss

A county judge struck down Virginia’s high fees for the state’s dangerous drivers yesterday.

Judge Archer Yeatts III of Henrico County said the state law violates equal protection guarantees because it imposes higher fines on in-state drivers than out-of-state residents, the Washington Post reports. "A 'dangerous' driver is a 'dangerous' driver, whether he or she is a lifelong resident of Virginia or simply passing through on his or her way to another state or country," he wrote.

Voters are “hopping mad” about the fines, which range from $750 to $3,000, the Post says. The ruling is likely the first of many to address the constitutionality of the penalties.