Citrus Heights City Council Doubles Parking Fines, Residents Say They're Fine With It
CITRUS HEIGHTS (CBS13) — The Citrus Heights City Council has voted to double many of the city's parking fines, and many of the people CBS13 spoke to on Thursday say they're fine with it.
In a unanimous vote, a new fee structure was approved for dozens of parking violations.
Whether you park in a fire lane, a handicapped space or a loading zone, your violation could be met with double the pain.
"I think you should take responsibility for yourself," Citrus Heights resident Ivan Myrick said. "Honestly, if you're parked illegally or if you parked and didn't pay the meter, then, I took that chance and pay the ticket."
Most of the parking fines will bump from $30 to $62.50.
Most drivers we spoke to said if you're going to do the crime, it's only fair that you pay the fine.
"Nobody ever wants a parking fine. But the difference between a parking fine being $32 and $60—it's not going to make or break anybody," said resident Jennifer Krauter. "Just don't park your car where it's not supposed to be."
"It's justified if you're parking in one of those areas," said Taylor Barsuglia. "You deserve to get fined. You know you're not supposed to, maybe you should be parking a little further out, a little more inconvenient just to avoid that."
Under a mandate by the California Judicial Council, the city is required to keep fines in line with fee structures in neighboring jurisdictions. Those are typically raised every three years, but Citrus Heights hadn't changed its fines since 2006.
The new fee structure will go into effect on March 14.
