GOVERNOR'S VETO

Pursuant to Article V, Section 6, of the Constitution of Virginia, I veto House Bill 1040, a bill that creates a new right of appeal to the Circuit Court of a finding of a violation related to the photo-monitoring of a traffic light signal. A citation levies no more than a $50 civil fine. There is no effect on a criminal or driving record.

This automatic right of appeal to the Circuit Court could inundate our currently underfunded judicial system with cases of limited financial impact, potentially jeopardizing the efficient and expeditious handling of more significant civil and criminal cases.

Our general district courts are more than capable of addressing these infractions and providing those affected with all attendant rights. Allowing minor citations to be appealed to the Circuit Court would add an unnecessary strain to our vital public safety resources.

Accordingly, I veto this bill.