I recently received one of those red light camera tickets in the mail for failure to stop when making a right turn. I didn't realize that I hadn't stopped until I viewed the video. The fine is $361. Most signs say that the "minimum" fine is $271 so I'm wondering what determines the fine amount. Also, the citation I received in the mail says to pay the $361 or to pay $390 to attend traffic school. It says specifically, "to attend traffic school, DO NOT PAY THE ABOVE BAIL" and to pay the $390. Does this mean that the $361 will be refunded after attending traffic school? I assume not but the wording makes it sound like that because it says if you don't attend traffic school the $390 will be "converted to bail." Very confusing!!!
2006-09-03 06:35:27 · 7 answers · asked by Staci 3 in Politics & Government ➔ Law Enforcement & Police
There is often noticed an amount difference between the listing for the 'basic fine' for a violation and the amount you end up paying, is because there can be other 'assessments' and fees added on. Penalty assessments, court fees, etc, depending on what stage you take care of it.
If you simply pay the fine and be done with it, it's a guilty plea and it goes on your driving record and your insurance could be adversely affected.
If you pay the larger amount and go to traffic school, the fee goes towards operation costs of the school. You don't get it back and nothing is deducted. It's the price you pay for the opportunity of attending the school in exchange for.....if you successfully attend and complete it.....the charge being dismissed and your record unaffected by that particular violation event.
I personally would choose traffic school as the best bargain for the money spent.
2006-09-03 13:18:28 · answer #1 · answered by nothing 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
your money will not be refunded. the only thing traffic school does is remove the point from your driving record. too many points can affect your insurance rates. if you pay $390 and don't attend traffic school they'll just turn that amount into your fine. that way they still get paid and don't have to bother hunting you down to attend traffic school.
fines seem to be arbitrary. it depends on many things. if you want to fight it try one of those ticket fixer places. many times they guarantee to get fine and points removed. i'm not sure how much they cost but they always advertise in the yellow pages.
check your state laws too. i know here in nevada it is illegal to issue a ticket based upon traffic light cameras alone. but those cameras are all over las vegas.
2006-09-03 06:46:02 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
361, pay the court, plead guilty, have it on your driving record.
pay the 390, go to traffic school, get it taken off your record.
390, though incredibly high, is the better option if you don't want it to remain on your record and you drive alot.
2006-09-03 06:54:48 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
wow i just recently got the same ticket here in san diego. I paid 391$ after going to traffic school cause i didnt want it on my record insurance frowns on that and highers you payment! all in all i payed about $420 including traffic school and just the other day i got a state check refunding me all in full cause i guess that day the cameras wont working and gave everyone tickets you might luck out too lol goodluck
2006-09-03 07:02:13 · answer #4 · answered by rock 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Brother, I'm not gonna lie... your question is confusing. What you need to do is go to your local Police department and ask them about the fines. That will be your best bet as to what to do about it.
2006-09-03 08:46:00 · answer #5 · answered by mavrickatasu 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋
It is easier just to pay the fine.It would do no good trying to fight it in court,and traffic school does little if any good in my opinion.
2006-09-03 06:38:59 · answer #6 · answered by John G 5 · 1⤊ 3⤋
No it won't be refunded.Glad to here you got a ticket on a no stop for red.Here in TN. we have a lot of people that blow the reds and put us other drivers in harms way,just because they want to beat the system.They should suspend licenses for a month then I bet it would cure the problem.
2006-09-03 06:42:37 · answer #7 · answered by pretzgolf 5 · 1⤊ 5⤋