"an expired inspection sticker, an expired driver's license and dubious proof of insurance. The cost of his traffic infractions: $675 and a wait in line recently at Houston Municipal Court."
He got off easy. For three simultaneous violations in a traffic stop in Georgia you go to jail.
But, if you're in jail, how do you pay the fines?
You're right -- he should consider himself lucky to get away with $600+ in fines. If I had my way, he'd lose his license for a minimum of five years.
"an expired inspection sticker, an expired driver's license and dubious proof of insurance. The cost of his traffic infractions: $675 and a wait in line recently at Houston Municipal Court."
In CA, simple lack of (written proof of) insurance is IIRC $1350. non-appealable, no questions asked, no excuse taken, court appearance mandatory. I guess that would be unless you're an illegal, in which case you'd probably get a tuition discount on the state run junior college closest to you with a relocation allowance, a rent voucher, and a "dollars off" coupon for your next Western Union remittance back to Mexico.