If you live in CA beware

[kennoli]

I recently got a ticket for no front plate,tinted windows and smoked lights.Yesterday, I received my notice from the court.The ticket was $471.Each violation was $102,in addition to other fees totaling $165.I guess this is how CA plans on getting out of debt!I was never given the option to fix the items because CHP marked the items non correctable on the ticket.

[X5 Meister]

I know lots of people all around California and they have all said that the number of police patrolling for speeders, etc. has seemingly gone up 100 fold in the past few months. I think you are right, hello revenue.

[faz]

I thought all those would be a fix-it ticket. ($10 and then go fix it and have a CHP/LEO sign the ticket that has been fixed.)

I would take this to court if I were you.

[kennoli]

I plan on contesting in court;pleading not guilty since I was never given a chance to fix the items.

[N S]

Originally Posted by kennoli

I plan on contesting in court;pleading not guilty since I was never given a chance to fix the items.

Definitely go to court, but I would not recommend pleading not guilty - the judge is not going to look favorably upon you for that. Essentially the judge will turn around and ask you if your front plate was missing, if your windows were tinted, etc. Whether or not you were given a chance to fix the items is irrelevant to determining "guilt" in this case. My recommendation would be to go to court plead guilty and ask to have the items changed to correctable offenses. The judge will be much more accomodating if he/she believes you are willing to take responsibility for your actions and are just looking for a reduced judgement.

[CharlieHustleX5]

Originally Posted by N S

Definitely go to court, but I would not recommend pleading not guilty - the judge is not going to look favorably upon you for that. Essentially the judge will turn around and ask you if your front plate was missing, if your windows were tinted, etc. Whether or not you were given a chance to fix the items is irrelevant to determining "guilt" in this case. My recommendation would be to go to court plead guilty and ask to have the items changed to correctable offenses. The judge will be much more accomodating if he/she believes you are willing to take responsibility for your actions and are just looking for a reduced judgement.

Unfortunately, most California courts will not grant a reduction in penalties. The state needs money and they'll do whatever they legally can to get it. They wont just give you fix it tickets anymore.

For those who dont like the look of your front plates on the bumper, you can always purchase a clear smoked plate cover to place over it. There's no law stating its illegal since you can see through it.

[davidy1688]

In Fountain Valley area, my 2 colleagues got a high speed 45 in a 35 zone and did not stop completely at stop sign tickets.

[JT///MC]

My friend is a CHP, and yes, they need the money due to budget cuts and tax revenue shortfalls. Watch out and don't speed is my best advice for everyone.

[flyingmachine]

wow. $102 for front license plate.

I got about 6-8 tickets in the past for front license plate and the white signal bulbs when I lived in CA. but those were just fix-it tickets and the fine was like $10 something.

[X5 Meister]

Get that temporary bracket that a lot of Mini owners seem to use and install it for the fix. It is relatively easy to remove later.

Originally Posted by flyingmachine

wow. $102 for front license plate.

I got about 6-8 tickets in the past for front license plate and the white signal bulbs when I lived in CA. but those were just fix-it tickets and the fine was like $10 something.