Virginia needs money, so the fine for failing to use a turn signal will now be $1,050.
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Oh thank you...
Having just moved to Arkansas, and having been appalled at the deep-seated hatred of turn signals that is present here, I can only hope they pass that here, as well...
As a native Arkansan (though now a south mississippian) I can attest that blinkers are apparently optional equipment on vehicles there. However, that's not the only oddity you'll encounter when those folks take to the road, and depending on which part of the state you live in, be careful, because the driver could be on meth or at least have a lab in the trunk.
But will it even be enforced?
Around here, even the cops won't use turn signals. I know a lot of people who never use theirs and they've never been ticketed for it.
The fine could be a million dollars, and I bet the state wouldn't make a dime on it.
Bulldog beat me to it.... According to House Speaker Bill Howell,
"I defy you or anyone to find anybody who's been convicted in the state of Virginia for reckless driving for not giving a turn signal. It has never been enforced."
Doesn't that make you feel better now?
One of the biggest gripes is that the "fee" (note: it is not a "fine") is only assessed on Virginia drivers, not out of state law-breakers.
Look for this to get heavy modification in the future, and let this be a lesson to all of us: Pay attention to the legislature during the sessions, not just 2 weeks before the law takes effect!
"A person shall be guilty of reckless driving who fails to give adequate and timely signals of intention to turn, partly turn, slow down, or stop, as required by Article 6 (§ 46.2-848 et seq.) of this chapter."
How exactly does one signal the intention that they are slowing down - do they mean if your brake light is out?
I wish they had such a law, and enforced it, around here ;-)
This is the single most annoying habit people have on the road. If I had a dollar for every time I'm behind on of those jackasses that don't use their signals, I'd be a VERY rich man.
The lawmaker who got this law passed is actually funding his day job.
The self-described "chief architect" for this bill is Delegate David Albo. Albo boasts on his website that he's worked for 20 months to bring this bill into law. What his website doesn't mention is that when Albo isn't legislating tough new laws aimed at Virginia's motorists, he's representing those same motorists in court.
That's right. Albo's a lawyer. And not just any lawyer. The firm that bears his name specializes in traffic law, particularly in representing people charged with DWI and reckless driving. And yes, that's the firm's actual URL: virginiadui.com.
That law needs to pass in Texas, but never will because it would impinge on people's liberty. O.o Liberty to weave or jump into my lane without warning! Ugh. I have to say, in my experience, Houston drivers are the WORST for not using signals. I've had two Houstonians confirm independently that they use people signalling to cut them off or keep them from going where they're signalling. wtf?!
WHERE IS THE STING OPERATION VIDEO PLEASE!?!?