FAQ # 15: Why is the fine so high in
California ? Are there exceptions?
Answer: When defendants raise that question in court, the judges explain that the State legislature set the fine so high (current top fine is approx. $400) in order to strongly deter drivers from running red lights. They also usually quote figures, provided by the local police, which say that accidents here are down 10 - 20% as the result of the cameras. But on the east coast, where the fines are just $50 to $75 (and the tickets do not carry a "point"), the police there have been publishing similar accident reduction figures. Evidently, at least on the east coast, a much smaller penalty has been equally effective in getting drivers to behave. Draw your own conclusion as to why, absent a greater deterrence value, California's penalty needs to be so many times harsher.
Not all camera tickets cost $400 (or more). Until Aug. 2008, the City of LA cited its rolling right turns under Subsection (b) of CVC 21453, instead of (a), which resulted in a much-lower fine - $159 including all fees. (For info about LA's formerly-reduced fine and the difference between (a) and (b), see the LA City Documents page.) And a few judges in other cities offer reduced fines to defendants with rolling right tickets.
Another web:
Ticketassassin
P.O. Box 120012
San Diego CA, 92112
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