California Could Review Complicated And Costly Traffic Ticket Fee Structure

SACRAMENTO (CBS13) — California is taking a new look at the high fees tacked onto traffic tickets and other criminal violations, wondering if the money could be better spent.

A new report by the California Legislative Analyst's Office is recommending a fundamental change in the way criminal fines and fees are collected in California.

Currently, a $35 fine for running a stop sign actually costs $283 once surcharges and fees are added on. That fine has gone up $83 in the last 10 years.

"That's tough for a lot of folks," said Assemblyman Jim Cooper. "They wonder what the fees are and where they go."

He says there are too many fees and he's willing to consider changing the system.

"It's tough, but I think we should re-examine it and make sure these fees are appropriate and lined up in the right area," he said.

Depending on the violation, there are more than 50 state and local funds that collect money from fines to pay for things like new courthouses, DNA crime labs and emergency medical treatments—all required by state law. That's why the report recommends consolidating most fees and depositing money in the state's general fund so it can go where it's most needed.

"Programs instead would focus on articulating how much money they need, why they need that money, and what they would be using that money for," said Anita Lee.

But that could be controversial.

"I just have concerns if it goes back to the general fund, will some of those programs which are very noteworthy really get funded," Cooper said.

The report also says the state should consider adjusting fines based on the individual's ability to pay.

"You could have two individuals with different incomes paying a different penalty for the same crime," Lee said.

WHO BENEFITS FROM THE FEES?

Depending on the violation, these are the potential funds that benefit from California's fine system.

• Oil Pollution Response and Restoration Subaccount
• Abalone and Restoration and Preservation Account
• Osteopathic Medical Board of California Contingent Fund
• Abandoned Watercraft Abatement Fund
• Peace Officers' Training Fund
• California Beverage Container Recycling Fund
• Pharmacy Board Contingent Fund
• California Fire and Arson Training Fund
• Private Security Services Fund
• California Motorcyclist Safety Fund
• Restitution Fund
• Cigarette and Tobacco Products Compliance Fund
• Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Fund
• Cigarette Tax Fund
• Secret Witness Program
• Clandestine Drug Lab Clean–Up Account
• State Children's Trust Fund
• Contingent Fund of the Medical Board of California
• State Court Facilities Construction Fund
• Corrections Training Fund
• State Dentistry Fund
• Court Facilities Trust Fund
• State Fire Marshal Fireworks Enforcement and Disposal Fund
• Department of Justice DNA Testing Fund
• State Highway Account
• Department of Justice Sexual Habitual Offender Fund
• State Optometry Fund
• Domestic Violence Restraining Order Reimbursement Fund
• State Penalty Fund
• Domestic Violence Training and Education Fund
• State Water Pollution Cleanup and Abatement Account
• Driver Training Penalty Assessment Fund
• Toxic Substances Control Account
• Emergency Medical Air Transportation Act Fund
• Traumatic Brain Injury Fund
• Environmental Enforcement and Training Account
• Trial Court Improvement and Modernization Fund
• Farmworker Remedial Account
• Trial Court Operations Fund
• Fish and Game Preservation Fund
• Trial Court Trust Fund
• Hazardous Materials Administration Subaccount
• Underground Storage Tank Cleanup Fund
• Home Care Penalties Subaccount
• Veterinary Medical Board Contingent Fund
• Illegal Drug Lab Cleanup Account
• Victim–Witness Assistance Fund
• Immediate and Critical Needs Account
• Voter Intimidation Restitution Fund
• Local Public Prosecutors and Public Defenders Fund
• Waste Discharge Permit Fund
• Missing Persons DNA Data Base Fund
• Winter Recreation Fund
• Motor Vehicle Account
• Worker's Compensation Fraud Account
• Oil Pollution Administration Subaccount
• County General Fund
• Drug Program Fund
• Alcohol Abuse and Prevention Fund
• Fish and Game Propagation Fund
• Automated County Warrant Fund
• Forensic Laboratory Fund
• Automated Fingerprint Identification and Digital Image Photographic Suspect Booking Identification System Fund
• Inmate Welfare Fund
• Children's Trust Fund
• Juvenile Justice Construction Fund (Kern and Ventura Counties)
• Courthouse Construction Fund
• Maddy Emergency Services Fund
• Criminal Justice Facilities Construction Fund
• Night Court Session Fund
• Criminal Justice Investigation Fund (Imperial County)
• Rabies Treatment and Eradication Fund
• Criminalistics Laboratory Fund
• Real Estate Fraud Prosecution Trust Fund
• County Jail Fund (Orange and Solano Counties)
• Special Purpose Funds
• DNA Identification Fund
• Transportation District, Commission, or Authority General Fund
• Domestic Violence Programs Special Fund
• Various unspecified funds to support specific activities