I got a speeding ticket (16 over the limit) in a suburb of Los Angeles, and it cost me $323. I did not bother to contest it (although I probably could have with an illegal laser use loophole) because I know that I was guilty of speeding, and decided it would be better to man-up to the charge than to waste taxpayer dollars fighting it. Do you think that the fines are so high because its so easy yet costly to contest a ticket? Do you think fewer people would contest the tickets if the fines were more reasonable? (Sounds like a never ending cycle of increasing fines to me...). Or are the fines just so high to discourage people from repeatedly breaking the law? I know the obvious solution to this is to simply not break the law anymore, and I won't have any more fines.
2007-08-29 02:19:58 · 10 answers · asked by Anonymous in Politics & Government ➔ Law Enforcement & Police
Traffic fines are so steep so people obey the rules and thus reduce accidents and fatalities.
2007-08-29 02:27:51 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 2⤋
Less than 5% actually contest their ticket. Obviously many of them are going to be unsuccessful.
BTW - a $323 is going to be cheaper than getting a lawyer to fight it. Although paying a ticket does increase your insurance, it could STILL be cheaper.
I got a (misdemeanor) ticket for 93 in a 40, in my Corvette. The Lawyer cost $2700. But in my case, he was able to get me traffic school in stead of going to court & with the saving in insurance, it was probably worth it.
But the fine, is not supposed to be reasonable. I live just off a road (Phoenix, AZ) that has a 45 limit & traffic always does closer to 60 mph. 5-6 times a year, someone gets t-boned pulling out. Have you ever seen the carnage from being hit at 60 mph by a 5,000 pound SUV. The driver generally dies. Had the SUV driver been doing 45, it could all have been different. The speed limit is there for a VERY serious reason. Don't speed around people (I know some roads through the desert where I could guarantee there are no other people around & high speeds might be more reasonable, if still technically illegal).
2007-08-29 09:43:50 · answer #2 · answered by dryheatdave 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The fines are high to give people an incentive to not break the law and ultimately not kill and maim other people.
It is a double edged sword as tickets are an important source of revenue for the states. Revenue that is used to provide police, fir and ambulance services to clean up the mess left by people who speed. They raise the fines at will because law breakers really don't have a lobby to fight for them. People don't care if someone who has broken the law has to pay. Who is going to defend the rights of a law breaker when the state decides to raise fines? Nobody. When you drive past that sign that says a certain number and you are above that number, you accept the consequunces if you are caught. many people do not contest tickets because they KNOW they are wrong. It is harder and harder to beat tickets with new laser and radar technology. The courts also have little or no sympathy in light of the horrific accidents caused by people who speed and break other laws. Also people know they are guilty and figure why lose a days pay and then also lose the fine money. Its like paying twice.
That is why most motorists chose not to violate the law and only a small percentage, like yourself, need to deal with these high fines.
Go check out virginia. They just raised fines into the thousands of dollars for speeding and other offenses. Nobody cares becasue speeders are at the very least rude and inconsiderate and at the worst killers..
2007-08-29 10:17:47 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The fines for tickets go to the state, then county, and trickle down to the city. You are paying for all the man hours it cost in reference to that citation. A person enters the citation into the system, it goes to the court, and several things happen. You either pay the ticket-person has to open the mail, make sure the tender is good, input payment was received, and your driving record has to be updated. Or you contest the ticket, subpoena is sent out to you and the office, court date set and has to be entered, and thus the extra court costs if you are guilty. You live in LA which is a high cost living area. Ticket costs are going to be higher due to pay rates higher. Also they are high to prevent people from committing the violations. But the costs are very little deterrence.
2007-08-29 09:29:32 · answer #4 · answered by plutarian04 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because if they weren't people wouldn't obey the traffic laws.
I don't think they worry about people contesting when they set fine prices. In most places I've lived, if you contest and lose you have to pay additional court costs, so that is always a big disincentive.
2007-08-29 09:34:05 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The fine is supposed to be a deterrent - slow down, or pay the penalty. If the fine was just $5-10, you'd keep speeding, wouldn't you?
Think of this as a good swift kick in the wallet.
2007-08-29 09:29:05 · answer #6 · answered by Ralfcoder 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
How do you think cops get a free cruiser to drive home, free gas, a free trained K9 with all expenses paid, meal allotments, hefty cost of living raises, awesome benefits for them and surviving relatives, and paid training?
2007-08-29 10:33:47 · answer #7 · answered by TURANDOT 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If they were free than everyone would want 1 Or 2>>?
2007-08-29 09:54:25 · answer #8 · answered by 45 auto 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Fines are suppose to be a deterent. Bet you slow down next time.
2007-08-29 09:25:51 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Simple, to fatten the city coffers for the politicians, who can vote in their own pay raises.
2007-08-29 13:41:28 · answer #10 · answered by WC 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋