Posted on 02/10/2012 2:27:08 PM PST by SmithL
We hear often from drivers who suffer sticker shock when they're pulled over by police and handed a ticket for a moving violation.
The actual cost is far more than many drivers had thought it was going to be.
Take, for instance, when the state passed its handheld cellphone ban a few years ago. Officials trumpeted the fine as $20. More than a few drivers think: What the heck. Worth the risk. But $20 is just the base fine. They call us screaming when they discover the real cost: $166.
When you pay a citation, you aren't just paying for your errant act. The Legislature has, for years, been adding fees to finance dozens of programs, some that aren't even related to driving safety.
Let's look at one of the most common citations in Sacramento County – running a stop sign. That's Vehicle Code Section 22450. The base fine is $35. But you'll pay $236.
Here's the money trail:
The $35 base fine goes mainly to city and county general funds. Those general funds supply the police and sheriff budgets.
If the CHP tickets you, that $35 still goes to the local city and county, not to the CHP.
But the state, along with the county, makes a bundle off you nonetheless, thanks to an $80 state penalty assessment that's tacked on.
(Excerpt) Read more at sacbee.com ...
No comment;-)
Uniformed revenue collectors for the state.
Also we survived just fine for decades without traffic camera lights. Now if one is a second or two late under a changing light the blue camera collects another fee. And all in the name of safety-— what a thievery by the nanny state.
Using the criminal courts system as a state source of income. The state is no longer a neutral but now has an interest in a citizens conviction.
Producers should drive carefully, as they leave the state.
“Using the criminal courts system as a state source of income.”
That, if I am not mistaken, is misprision in office, which is a criminal offense.
There is no legal authorization to use traffic laws as revenue generators.
That's nothing. How bout $400 plus $79 court costs plus $52 to erase the one point via traffic = $521 total school for a rolling right turn on a red light. Section 21453(a).
Clean driving record, no traffic at intersection - red light camera. I'm fighting it.
...Section 22450. The base fine is $35. But you'll pay $236.
That's nothing. How bout $400 plus $79 court costs plus $52 to erase the one point via traffic school = $521 total for a rolling right turn on a red light. Section 21453(a). Clean driving record, no traffic at intersection - red light camera. I'm fighting it.
“That’s nothing. How bout $400 plus $79 court costs plus $52 to erase the one point via traffic = $521 total school for a rolling right turn on a red light. Section 21453(a).
Clean driving record, no traffic at intersection - red light camera. I’m fighting it. “
How about next time you obey the law and stop? Just kidding (my imitation of a nanny-stater)...if you stop you’re likely to get rear-ended by surprising the car behind you.
Best of luck in your fight, at least you’ll make them work for their money. It’s too late now for this instance, but it’s a good idea to read up about snitch-tickets and ways to avoid the camera getting a face shot.
I fought my red light camera ticket and it was dismissed.
I got most of my information here:
http://www.highwayrobbery.net/index.htm
There’s also a good book I checked out from the library, I think it was this one:
Fighting this ticket is something I’m still very proud of.
These high fines are state-wide and obviously used to get revenue.
I would have been subject to the same amount if I had gone straight trough the red-light with heavy traffic. (BTW the yellow-light duration here is 3 seconds which is legal.)
Thanks for the links. I found one that I like and recommend to others if they get a California ticket:
Interesting link, looks like you’ve got it under control. I’m keeping the link for future reference (God forbid).
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.
