To provide a bit more info, here is what I pulled from the DMV web site:

"Convictions-Related Fees
Drivers convicted of serious traffic offenses will be charged conviction-related abusive driver fees. These fees do not apply to the typical traffic violation such as failure to yield, or parking too near a fire hydrant, for example. Abusive driver fees will only apply when the person is convicted of reckless driving, driving on a suspended or revoked license, driving under the influence, or other serious traffic offenses that occur after July 1, 2007. The fees can be paid in installments over three years. The fees are based on the following schedule:

Driving on a suspended or revoked license - $250 each year for three years;
Reckless or aggressive driving - $350 each year for three years;
Driving while intoxicated - $750 each year for three years;
Other misdemeanor convictions for driving and/or motor vehicle-related offense -$300 each year for three years;
Any felony conviction for driving or motor vehicle-related offense - $1000 each year for three years."

So, the "abusive" fees only apply under certain conditions. They have not increased ALL fines as some have suggested.

 

The DMV site is correct, but is understating what constitutes a "reckless driving" and "serious offense", which includes a whole hell of a lot more than just a few things. The full list is here: http://www.courts.state.va.us/publications/hb_3202.pdf

Samples that are just driving me nuts:
(7) Driving too fast for traffic conditions (they can give this to you at any speed)

 

The issue to me is it sounds like it is up to the officer to access these "remedial" fines. They decide if your driving is reckless or not. The only mandatory fines are for things such as speed in excess of 80mph. If the officer is having a bad day you could get slammed for no reason.

Also- the link you provided makes it sound like the remedial fees are mandatory if you break any of the listed laws. The DMV site I linked does not say this. It says you MAY be accessed these fines. I guess it will take a year or two to see how it goes and the % of tickets written which include them. I also expect the number of people going to court to fight the ticket to rise tremendously. This alone may make the state rethink the law as it clogs the system with jury trials over speeding tickets....

 

This law sucks. I'm registered as a VA driver, but I live in Chicago for school. My parents live in Glen Allen, outside of Richmond. So I'm glad I don't have to deal with this.

I also heard something else passed, where once you get a ticket, you have to pay a tax of $350 a year for the next 3 years, and it's an automatic thing?!?!

I wonder how long it will be before they start crushing cars like CA

 

Got into an accident with a total maniact yesterday in my baby. He was road raging on me. Ended up getting a reckless driving ticket myself.
I don't even want to know what the fine will be if I'm found guilty.

 

YES I Totally Agree!! You would think they they want to zero in on more serious and likely causes of crashes and accidents, but noooo. I couldnt agree more with the cell phone law, but this new shit is waaayyyy overboard.

 

Welcome to the future..........................................su cks and i want out...............