The wake-me-up-quicker-than-coffee moment this morning came courtesy of Del. Dave Albo, who gave rise to this gem of a law, which will become effective July 1st:

Driving as little as 15 MPH over the limit on an interstate highway now brings six license demerit points, a fine of up to $2500, up to one year in jail, and a new mandatory $1050 tax. The law also imposes an additional annual fee of up to $100 if a prior conviction leaves the motorist with a balance of eight demerit points, plus $75 for each additional point (up to $700 a year). The conviction in this example remains on the record for five years.

Ever driven 80mph on I-66 or 95? If so, you’re looking at not just a reckless driving conviction, but also $3550 in fines and taxes. It’s the sort of thing that makes you worried enough to get a lawyer to see if you can get that ticket knocked down a bit. And guess who’ll be there to help?

Albo, a senior partner in the Albo & Oblon, LLP traffic law firm, can expect to see a significant increase in business as motorists seek to protect their wallet from traffic tickets that come with assessments of up to $3000 in addition to an annual point tax that tops out at $700 a year for as long as the points remain.

WTF? Yes, Albo the legislator ginned up business for Albo the traffic lawyer. I guess we should be thankful he’s not a firefighter.

(Found this story via NLS, but it looks like Albo Must Go has been on the story a while. I’m sorry I didn’t notice it earlier.)

Update: The Washington Post has the story.