Reply to Income based fines for traffic camera tickets in DC?

Forum Index » Metropolitan DC Local Politics

Reply to "Income based fines for traffic camera tickets in DC?"

Subject:

Emoticons





More smilies

Text Color: Font: Close Marks

[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]Fines don't just happen, though. They can be avoided by... following the law. If the fine would be too expensive, don't commit the crime. No one HAS TO drive over the speed limit or run red lights. It's a choice, and not a legitimate one.[/quote]

Do you realize how stupid this argument is? We judge punishment according to what we think is fair or just. You can make this sort of lazy unthinking excuse for any level of punishment. Just don't commit the crime... no problem. Obviously there is a fine level you would feel is unjust... just like everyone else. You just disagree.[/quote]

No, actually. I don't see how fines that are entirely avoidable need to made easier to bear for people who would have trouble paying them. This is entirely bass ackwards. [b]The fines are a deterrent.[/b] Don't make reckless driving more affordable!![/quote]
Set-dollar-amount fines are not a deterrent if you have a lot of money and don't mind spending it on fines. They're only a deterrent for people who don't have a lot of money.[/quote]

How are they a deterrent for anyone if there are no repercussions for not paying, and there is not enforcement?[/quote]

These are two separate issues.

Issue 1: what should the fines be?

Issue 2: how should the fines be enforced?[/quote]
[b]
Good policy should actually include answers to both questions.  [/b]Without enforcement, setting fines is just some political signaling game.

Let's just pass a law that says everyone will be fined $1000 for every traffic violation, but then also let everyone know that there will be no attempt to collect these fines, nor will you ever have to pay the fines.[/quote]

Of course. However, they are [u]separate[/u] issues.[/quote]

Options

	Disable HTML in this message
	Disable BB Code in this message
	Disable smilies in this message

Review message

Search Recent Topics Hottest Topics