California State Senator Wants To Take Bite Out Of Traffic Ticket Fees
SACRAMENTO (CBS13) — A recent study shows traffic tickets in California are considered a multibillion-dollar business for state and local governments.
A bill at the state Capitol is now hoping to put the brakes on rising traffic violation fees.
"The system of fines is wrong. Period. There is no gray line here," said State Sen. Robert Hertzberg.
He doesn't mince words about the state's traffic violation system.
"You go out there and play gotcha games. That's why people hate government," he said.
He and several lawmakers and California's Chief Justice are demanding penalty reform, saying many drivers are paying unnecessary fees for violations such as broken tail lights and nonviolent moving violations.
According to the state legislative analyst's office, a basic stop sign ticket in California starts at about $35. But if you factor in a state surcharge, state and county penalty assessment fees and other court costs, that $35 ticket is now $238.
"And if you don't show up in court it becomes $800 and you lose your license," Hertzberg said.
Michael Goree got a ticket in Sacramento for running a red light and says he may have to pay hundreds above the initial penalty.
"It's extreme," he said.
A study by several Bay Area law firms shows more than 4 million Californians can't pay the fees and now have suspended driver's licenses. That makes it harder to keep a job, driving some into poverty and possibly behind bars.
"It's voodoo. It doesn't work," Hertzberg said.
He hopes Senate Bill 405 will give violators amnesty by cutting their court-ordered debt by as much as 80 percent.
When asked about the possible revenue loss to local governments, he says he can't worry about it.
"Is this how we are going to fund the government? Our job is to get it right," he said.
