Legislative asshattery

Tip of the beak to xfloggingkylex for this gem.

Five years ago, the Virginia legislature made it a serious crime to drive past a police officer stopped on the side of the road without changing lanes. As a result, unsuspecting motorists -- including those who are not speeding -- can nonetheless be caught in a speed trap and face a first degree misdemeanor ticket that carries a fine of up to $2500. Despite the significant financial penalty involved, nearly three-quarters of all motorists have never heard of "move over" laws, according to a Virginia State Police news release issued in July.

This isn't about police safety. This is an unabashed revenue grab. Think I'm wrong? Then explain to me why there would EVER be a speed trap conveniently located within viewing distance of a trooper attending to an accident scene.

Not only does this asinine law NOT protect officers, but it's guaranteed to FUBAR traffic, particularly at rush hour. Having commuted to Northern Virginia entirely too much, I can assure you that the last thing the Capital Beltway needs is for traffic to scrunch into one less lane just because John Effing Law decides to pull someone over -- something, IMO, that shouldn't be done during rush hour anyway just because of the rubberneck effect.

This is a prime example of bad law. It's a prime example of revenue grasping, no different than the small town that forces drivers to pass through at 25 MPH and pulls you over the second you hit 27 MPH. Oh, and Virginia...you're not alone.

Likewise, some police agencies reject move over laws as dangerous. In 2005, California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger (R) vetoed similar legislation, citing the objection of the California Highway Patrol.

"This bill is unnecessary and could result in the unintended consequences of additional roadway hazards," Schwarzenegger said in his veto message. "Specifically, the California Highway Patrol is concerned that this bill's mandate could create chaotic and dangerous situations at crime and collision scenes on the state's freeways."

A year later, an essentially identical Move Over bill was signed into law in California.

Let's summarize, shall we? (1) The CHP didn't want it, (2) the governor vetoed it, (3) it got rammed though a year later anyway.

MF'ers.