Ed Bassmaster Escapes Virginia Speeding Fine

Would you look at this! 

According to News Channel 11 earlier this week (June 12, 2015) Youtube prank sensation and Makers Studio partner Ed Bassmaster escaped with a warning from Virginia Highway Patrol after technically being caught speeding 15 MPH above the posted speed limit. It looks like the internet famous entertainer was on his way to Nashville when he got caught. Fortunately, the officer was a fan of his videos and let him go with a warning (which is at the discretion of every officer.)

Shortly after, Ed Bassmaster posted a selfie on his fan page which sparked over 5,000 likes, 575 comments, and 354 shares. Most commentators showed their support for their beloved prankster while some posted Virginia speeding horror stories of their own. One commentator paid $40 for not having a seatbelt on (understandable.) Another commentator was transporting a patient with her work van and couldn’t escape Johnny Law after also going 85 MPH in a posted 70 MPH zone ( it cost her 6 points on her license, a fine and a trip back to the county court where she got caught.) And oneVirginia resident even recognized the ticketing officer as someone he’s seen at his local gym (small world!)

In some other state like California, this would be an everyday occurrence that might slip past the watchful eyes of a highway patrolman, but in Virginia they’re extra vigilant for speeders. Going 20 MPH over the speed limit is classified as reckless driving. According to Watchdog.org, “That offense is not a mere traffic citation, but a Class One criminal misdemeanor punishable by a $2,500 fine and up to a year in jail.”

Jalopnik’s Patrick George  earned his lesson when he was caught going 93 MPH in a 55 MPH zone also in Virginia. That incident cost George $400, a 10-day license suspension and 3 days in jail. Yes, jail time. As to why Virginia is so tough, Jalopnik also gives an explanation.

"Legislators want to look like they’re keeping people safe, and having stern traffic laws theoretically makes the roads safer. Almost every year there are proposals in the Virginia General Assembly to loosen the reckless driving laws, and they seem to routinely fail.Financial reasons exist too. Reckless driving fines can go up to $2,500. While that number is not imposed often, it’s not unusual to see a fine of $350 or more for these offenses; whereas, the maximum fine for a regular Virginia speeding ticket is $250. Plus, the court costs are higher for a misdemeanor offense than for a traffic ticket. Reckless driving tickets raise a hefty chunk of revenue for the state."

So if you find yourself on any of the 1,118 miles of interstate highway in Virginia, you’d best look in your rearview mirror before your proceed to go above the posted limit. Better yet, don’t even think about speeding at all. If you get caught, you’d better hope you’re someone famous and your fans like you. And if you haven’t already, go check out his Youtube. Be sure to like, subscribe and comment of course.