|
From what I can discern from credible sources, the new law tacks on an extra $200 if you're convicted of going more than 85 miles per hour on "multiple-lane highways", or more than 75 miles per hour on two-lane highways. And so, it appears that the 85-mph threshold applies to all multiple-lane highways in your state - not just Interstates. 15-mph over the speed limit is the magic-number to keep in mind.
With the downturn in the economy, as well as the unemployment situation, many states and cities are enacting laws such as this to make up for lost income-tax revenue. A reasonable person would assume that these cash-strapped governments would consider reductions in spending to compensate for the shortfall, but apparently that's a foreign concept to politicians at all levels of government. From what I've read, your state expects to generate an additional $23,000,000 per year from this new law. And, let us not forget, it will obviously increase the demand for attorneys...what a surprise. 
Other states have enacted similar laws, and 15-mph over the speed limit seems to be the universal number. You can draw your own conclusions, but I definitely smell the Feds being involved in this. Whenever you see a certain traffic law spreading across the country (such as the .08 BAC limit for DUI), you can bet it's a federal "string" attached to a traffic grant, or to highway funding in general. This is how the federal government imposes its will on the states, and it's been going on for quite some time.
Your state politicians are going to tell you that this new law is intended to save lives, and reduce accidents on Georgia's highways. To this, I say B.S. I can assure you, unequivocally, that it's sole purpose is to increase revenue for government and attorneys.
Gale
Ex-Mark VIII Owner (for now)
06 Monte Carlo SS, 12K miles
|
