Another reason I like living in my little town

[retdetsgt]

I still think some of the fines are excessive, but this is a start.

Nabbed for speeding? Take heart
Public safety — Police department to lower traffic ticket amounts, cuts place an emphasis on service, not revenue
By: David Sale
Published: 5/5/2010 10:52:40 AM
The Newberg-Dundee Police Department will take an unprecedented step this month by enacting cuts to its schedule of traffic fines effective May 1.
“It’s a fairly big deal,” said Sgt. Tim Weaver, spokesman for the department. “For several years, our officers — myself among them — have been very concerned about what appears to be an excessively high rate for violations.
“When I started on the force, a moving violation carried a fine of about $50,” he added. “These days it’s well over $300 — it’s excessive.”
The impetus for the change came last October, when traffic bail and fine amounts headed for an increase under House Bill 2287, passed by the 2009 Oregon Legislature and signed by Governor Kulongoski.
“We need to convey our priority is on safety, not citing motorists with a bail amount to be considered excessive by many,” said Police Chief Brian Casey. “We will continue issuing citations for violations, but hopefully with this new bail schedule, the sting of the amounts will be easier to take and our message of safety has more effectiveness.”
After making their case to the city council, the NDPD, city court and legal staff negotiated a decrease of about 11 percent for all types of moving violations, but only for those violators cited into Newberg Municipal Court.
“For example, disobeying a stop sign, a Class B Violation, the officer would issue a $382 citation,” Weaver said. “After considerable thought and several city departments working together, effective May 1 this bail will drop $59 to $323.”
Meanwhile, base fine amounts for a Class A traffic violation are reduced to $544, down from $688; Class C traffic violations are reduced to $215, down from $242; and Class D violations are reduced to $154, down from $168.
Minimum fines are set by the state, with the bulk of the amount being remitted to Salem — where it helps fund a range of causes, including courts, drunk driving prevention, other traffic safety programs and crime victims’ assistance.
A portion of the fine is returned to the city or county, but “Contrary to the thoughts of many, our municipal court is not a cash cow for city coffers,” Weaver said. “Our emphasis is traffic safety and what appears to be a very high bail amount takes the focus away from the traffic violation and the need to drive more safely.”
“We are grateful to the City Council for working with us,” said Police Chief Brian Casey. “Their approval of reworking the schedule to keep amounts more reasonable helps us with our mission of promoting traffic safety,”
Oregon is ranked as having the 15th highest traffic fines among U.S. states, according to figures from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

The Newberg Graphic | Local News | Nabbed for speeding? Take heart

[pac201]

Wow, I thought ours were high...

[retdetsgt]

It's terrible here. I believe in making the fine hurt enough to make people think again about violating traffic laws, but this is way over the top. What happens is there are people who are barely making it, screw up and get a ticket, literally don't have the money to pay it and then they lives really do go into a tail spin.

[PapaBear]

I agree that the fines and penalties for a traffic infraction are excessive and uncalled for! For example, most red light violations in CA cost about $125.00 +/-; unless, you are cited because of a red light camera - then the fine for some unknown reason climbs to nearly $400.00. That is ludicrous. Same violation but uncalled for punitive monies. Now, some areas in the state are citing strictly to increase their local coffers. Issuing citations for any and all infractions that come under their scrutiny. A great way to punish their citizenry.

[retdetsgt]

For example, most red light violations in CA cost about $125.00 +/-; unless, you are cited because of a red light camera - then the fine for some unknown reason climbs to nearly $400.00. That is ludicrous. Same violation but uncalled for punitive monies.

Redflex probably negotiated some draconian contract.

I've nothing against red light cameras, we have one here. It's at an intersection that was the scene of continual crashes. There used to always be broken plastic and glass in the middle of it and it's such that it's hard for even a M/C officer to sit on.

They put in the camera and it's made a huge difference. The city, to their credit gave everyone a free pass for the first 30 days and mailed them their picture with warning letter.

But, the fines are the same as if they were personally cited by an officer.

[ChevySSP]

Hell, our judges in my home city throw out nearly every single no insurance violation.


Guess they figure that as long as they can pay the speeding ticket then there isn't any need for them to go to ALR...

[retdetsgt]

In Portland, they will usually dismiss a no insurance ticket IF you come to court and show you had it when you were stopped. Some small municipal courts still nail people since the law doesn't really just say you have to have insurance, but you have to show proof when stopped.

[ChevySSP]

Unfortunately the judges aren't even doing that. Typically they will throw out the ticket if the drut gives a sob story about how they can't afford to pay it and what not....even though its their 3rd no insurance ticket.

[retdetsgt]

Unfortunately the judges aren't even doing that. Typically they will throw out the ticket if the drut gives a sob story about how they can't afford to pay it and what not....even though its their 3rd no insurance ticket.

Maybe one will crash into a judge sometime and they'll change their tune.....