Every January many new state laws go into effect. There are hundreds of new laws every year, and unless they effect us directly we don't usually pay much attention. Well, traffic fines do effect us all. With the new penalties on traffic violations, you will want to try VERY hard to avoid a ticket.
Traffic fines bring over $500 million into our state treasury yearly. No wonder fines keep increasing. It's an easy way to increase revenue. According to KNX's Jon Baird, even common infractions such as running a red light can cost drivers around $500. While base fines for traffic offenses have remained relatively steady over the past two decades, assessments for emergency medical services ($20) and traffic school ($60) and court construction costs ($50) have nearly quadrupled ticket costs since 1993, according to the Judicial Council of California.
A red light infraction which was $103 in 1993 and $340 in 2003 is now $490, while not coming to a complete stop at a stop sign (rolling through an intersection) has nearly doubled to $238, in the past decade. Drivers caught speeding at 15 mph over the speed limit have soared to $238, nearly eight times their cost in 1993.
Much of this increase can be attributed to tacked-on fees known as penalty assessments, which are set by state lawmakers in Sacramento. Revenue from such fees is typically earmarked for a wide variety of projects. As the fees increase, the working poor who cannot afford these tickets, are going to court to challenge tickets, which is clogging up the court system. As unhappy as motorists are by these high ticket prices, lawmakers are unlikely to change course, as the revenue is used for many projects that otherwise would be unfunded. The moral of the story, avoid those tickets at all costs. Plan an extra few minutes to get where you're going, so you don't have to run a red light or roll through a stop sign. This will probably keep you safer and keep money in your pocket, not the state's.
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