Unfair?

[Kento-Moto]

Probly not unfair but disappointing to say the least.

Mrs Moto recieved a " Citation " her 1st in 17 years of driving. She went a little wide when making a right turn on a residential street and according to the CHP officer, her left front tire went on the double solid yellow line. There was no oncoming traffic however a CHP officer was behind her and pulled her over. He told her why ... no other discussion. Little background, my wife is the cutest, meekest and friendleist gal around. She is way more cautious and law abidding driver than I. The ticket said she was " Driving left of the double yellow line ... " There is no distinction of 1 tire on the line or all four over ...

1 week later the notice arrived in the mail.

$203 or take traffic school along with the fine and pay $252 plus traffic school fee's of approx $45. You can take the class online which is a joke but it is how the system works, and it keeps the points from going on your record and thus your insurance comapny does need to be informed...

I was very surprised that the fine was more for going the traffic school route. I would think that if "Safety" was the foremost concern then they would charge you less for ticket knowing that you have successfully completed a saftey course ... think again! I called the court and the woman had little interest in my questions and said I can do whatever I want but the court is unlikely to reduce the fine even if my wife has a perfect record and they didnt care if she took the traffic course but they charge an additional $49 to track if the course was completed sucessfully or not. Big deal, the traffic school submits an electronic notice that you passed.

I have spoken with a friend who is local PD, he said " They have you by the ... just pay it." I also spoke with another friend who is a retired court clerk, she confirmed that the State of California gets over 98% of the funds generated by CHP issuing citations and the city and county get only 1-2% also that the fines went up dramtically in July 2009. Even if we went to court to try and request leniency the fine would only drop a few $ if at all. She also said inner dept memos go out all the time to be aware of ways to keeps funds flowing but you will never see that in print to the public. I did find in print that "There are no Quota's ... Quota's are illegal, " But we do have minimum's to issue ... "

I was unable to find a total $ amount generated for the state from citations issued by the CHP. But I found that one smaller county ( Shasta ) Generates approx $10 million for the state. Same report said that the fine may be only $100 - $200 or so but the fee's and asessments can more than double the total amount.

There is no cop bashing here in this post, I have lots of friends in law enforcement, just a rant.

Now greater injustices happen all the time so this is not a big deal per se' just a bit irritating when our personal income is way down and it seems obvious to me this was a money maker. I can look at this as payment for all the times I was less than safe on public roads... but again it seems unfair why one person will be let go at " officers discretion " with just a warning for driving wreckless, speeding, doing stoppies, wheelies ... and a very minor infraction at officers discression can be so expensive. I cant help but wonder why, if it was a minor infraction, she had all of her paper work and was respectful ... why was she not eligible for a warning? If we did it, either we should all get tickets or not. And the state generating revenue should have nothing to to with it.

Kento


interesting link
http://www.tatjacket.com/blog/2009/10/traffic-ticket-truth-and-myth/

[windkey]

Sounds like the officer was having a bad day and took it out on Mrs. Moto. Serves as a good headsup to the rest of us and doesn't bode well for the coming season of riding. Maybe this IS a good year to spend alot of time at the track after all.

[Kento-Moto]

I hope I wont be wearing matching braclets anytime soon.

[hondnasty]

Hey Kento, As I told Gary, I teach traffic school here in Chico and when you sign up I can save you a little bit of money for the school. And yes, someone's good buddy, Don Perata, got all of the traffic school fees doubled about 1 1/2 years ago for "court facility construction fees" even though the courts told him that the money was not needed for more courts. The fines have also gone up exponentially, according to the state needs. There are approximately 6 different add ons to every citation, including EMS, DNA, state, county, court construction, and a surcharge of 20% of the original fine. This is all under section III(B) section IV of the Calif Vehicle Code. CHP has tightened down on all violations. I have had people in class for the same violation, 10 mph over the speed and other seemingly minor violations. Maybe the track will be the only place to drive or ride.

[Cosmo]

....just singing in the reign.

[hondnasty]

Time to move to Nevada?