California traffic fines increase in 2008?

Answer 1

There is a hoax email going around�reporting new fines for traffic violations. These are false. This post will contain the accurate information�as provided by the DMV and will compare them�to�the original hoax email.� �1. Carpool lane - 1st time offense: $1068.50 starting 1/1/07 (NOT the

$271 as currently posted on highways - this is old). Don�t do it again because 2nd time is going to be double, 3rd time triple, and 4th time your license is suspended. FALSE Fact: It is highly unlikely that a single code section violation would result in a $1068 fine for a first offense. Generally, a first offense violation + court costs and fees could run as high as $590 (depending on what jurisdiction the offender was cited). If the jurisdiction has HOV lanes with double white lines, then you could potentially be cited for crossing a double-white + driving in the car pool lane � two violations. In this case, the total bail amount (fine + court costs and fees) could approach $1000. But again, a lot of variables would have to come into play. 2. Incorrect lane change $380. Don�t cross lane on solid lanes or any intersection. FALSE Fact: following is a list of vehicle code sections under which violators are typically cited and the concurrent fines:

21100.3 Failure to obey traffic directions $130

21460(a,b) Improper turns over double lines/solid lines to right prohibited $130

21655(b) Failure to use designated lanes $130

21655.5(b) Improper use of preferential lanes $340

21655.8(a) Driving over double lines of preferential lanes $340

21658(a,b) Lane straddling/failure to use specified lanes $130

22107 Unsafe turn or lane change prohibited $130

22108 Signal required before turning or changing lanes $130 3. Block intersection - $485 FALSE Fact: Following is a list of vehicle code sections under which violators are typically cited and the concurrent fines:

21970(a) Vehicle stopped unnecessarily and blocking crosswalk or sidewalk $130

23333 Vehicular crossing-unauthorized stopping or standing $130 4. Driving on the shoulder - $450 FALSE Fact: Following is a list of vehicle code sections under which violators are typically cited and the concurrent fines:

21100.3 Failure to obey traffic directions $130

21460(a,b) Improper turns over double lines/solid lines to right prohibited $130

21655(b) Failure to use designated lanes $130

21754 Improper passing on right prohibited $130

21755 Unsafe passing on right shoulder $130 5. Cell phone on the construction zone - Double fine� FALSE Fact: There is currently no law against using a cell phone while driving. The law passed recently by the register requiring the use of hands-free headsets does not take effect until July 1, 2008. Otherwise, fines for traffic violations committed in constructions zones are higher than those committed elsewhere, but not quite double. 6. If passengers, over 18, do not have their seatbelts on, then both driver and passenger(s) get ticketed.� CORRECT.

Fact:

23116(a) Transportation of persons without restraints restricted $130

(Note: total bail for first-time offenders for not wearing a seat belt in California ranges from $80 to $91). 7. Speeders can drive only 3 miles above the limit. FALSE Fact: The California Highway Patrol and other law enforcement agencies can legally ticket drivers for going even 1 mile over a posted speed limit. 8. DUI = Jail.� CORRECT. For other laws�affecting us this year check out�"New Laws for 2007 in California". HOAX EMAIL: # Carpool lane - 1st time $1068.50 starting 1/1/07 (NOT the $271 posted on the highway). Don't do it again because 2nd time is going to be double. 3rd time triple, and 4th time license suspended! # Incorrect lane change $380. Don't cross lane on solid lanes or intersection # Block intersection - $485 # Driving on the shoulder - $450 # Cell phone on in a construction zone. - Double fine # Passengers over 18 not on the seat belts - both passengers and drivers get ticket # Speeders can only drive 3 miles above the limit. # DUI = JAIL