Residents and visitors of California should be on the alert when driving because the state passed new limits for traffic violation fines that took effect on January 6, 2012. Not only do you have to pay attention to your speed, what lane you drive in and what you do while behind the wheel but you must also double check the paperwork you have with you in the vehicle. Make sure when you drive that you always have your license, registration and insurance paperwork with you at all times. If you would like a preview of some of the new fines, here are just a couple:
Should you not stop at a red light, be prepared to pay a fine of at least $436. If you decide to pass a school bus that has its flashing red lights on then you should be prepared to pay a fine of at least $616. You can accrue close to $1,000 in parking tickets should you illegally park in a handicapped parking spot even just for a couple of minutes. The remainder of the new fine schedule is below from the State of California’s Division of Motor Vehicles.
Traffic Ticket Fines (Effective 01/06/2012)
VC 12814.6 $214 Failure to obey license provisions.
VC 14600(A) $214 Failure to notify DMV of address change within 10 days
Note: The fine may be reduced with valid proof of correction.
VC 16028(A) $796 Failure to provide evidence of financial responsibility (insurance)
Note: This fine may be reduced with proof of insurance on or after the violation date.
VC 21453(A) $436 Failure to stop at a red signal.
VC 22349 $214 Unsafe speed, 1 to 15 miles over the limit.
VC 22350 $328 Unsafe speed, 16 to 25 miles over the limit.
VC 22450 $214 Failure to stop at a stop sign.
VC 22454(A) $616 Passing a school bus with flashing red signals.
VC 23123(A) $148 Driving while using a wireless phone not hands free, first offense.
VC 23123(B) $256 Driving while using a wireless phone not hands not free, each subsequent offense.
VC 23123.5 $148 Driving while using a wireless device to send, read or write text.
VC 23124 $148 Minor driving while using a wireless phone.
VC 22500 $976 Parking in a bus loading area.
VC 22507(A) $976 Violation of disabled parking provisions, first offense.
VC 22507(B) $1876 Violation of disabled parking provisions, second offense.
VC 26708 $178 Unlawful material on vehicle windows.
VC 27150 $178 Adequate muffler required.
VC 27315 $148 Mandatory use of seat belts.
VC 27360 $436 Mandatory use of passenger child restraints.
Note: This fine may be reduced by completing a court authorized child seat diversion program.
VC 27400 $178 Headsets or Earplugs covering both ears.
VC 27803 $178 Violation of motorcycle safety helmet requirements.
VC 34506 $616 Commercial Driver – Log book violation.
VC 4000 $256 No evidence of current registration.
Note: The fine may be reduced with valid proof of correction.
VC 4159 $178 Notify DMV of change of address within 10 days.
Note: The fine may be reduced with valid proof of correction.
VC 5200 $178 Proper display of license plates.
Note: The fine may be reduced with valid proof of correction.
VC 9400 $178 Commercial weight fees due.
Note: The fine may be reduced with valid proof of correction