Collegiate Times

When Jessica Hodges, a 26-year-old Burke native, got in her car on July 3, she expected to drive quickly and safely to the hospital to deliver her baby.

. Naturally, she was in a rush and going over the speed limit as she made her way to Inova Fairfax Hospital. Her labor pains turned out to be a false alarm, but not before Hodges was pulled over for going 57 miles per hour in a 35 miles per hour zone.

Unfortunately for Hodges, her incident occurred just two days after July 1, 2007, the day that Virginia's new driving fees went into effect. On top of the traditional $100 fine and court costs, Hodges was given a reckless driving charge and its accompanying $1,050 civil fee.

Virginia Tech sophomore Jason Yann also recently received a speeding ticket (not for reckless driving) and had to pay an increased fine of $400 including court fees.

"This speeding ticket used to cost $80," Yann said. "The judge lowered the fine because I was a college student. I think they're being fairer about it with college students."

Many outraged Virginia residents agree with Hodges that over $1,000 for a speeding ticket is too hefty a fine. The driving fees were established in order to provide funding for transportation improvements statewide and are expected to raise about $65 million annually for highway maintenance.

"The penalties are way overpriced, and there are better ways for the state to get that revenue," argued Gregg Tabot, a sophomore computer science major. "It is ridiculous to be charged hundreds of dollars for something like not turning your blinker on."

Reckless driving isn't the only offense leading to a civil fee. Driving without a license will cost $900 in civil remedial fees on top of the standard $75 fine. Drunk driving will cost $2,250 on top of the traditional $300.

In addition, Virginia drivers with more than eight points on their licenses will be fined $100 extra in addition to $75 for every point above eight. A regular speeding ticket generally earns four points.

Another issue with the legislation is that the remedial fees apply only to Virginia residents and not to residents of other states, not even those who regularly use Virginia's roads. Some have argued that this could create a constitutionality issue, and a lawsuit has already been filed in Roanoke County.

"I don't think it's fair to charge Virginia residents more for speeding. It makes it seem as though drivers from out of state are getting off easier," said Sarah Neal, a sophomore human nutrition, foods and exercise major. "If you are speeding, you're breaking the law, no matter what state you are from."