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California Drivers Beware: New Traffic Violation Fine Schedule in Effect

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

Jim Vassallo: Jim is a freelance writer based out of the suburbs of Philadelphia in New Jersey. Jim earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications and minor in Journalism from Rowan University in 2008. While in school he was the Assistant Sports Director at WGLS for two years and the Sports Director for one year. He also covered the football, baseball, softball and both basketball teams for the school newspaper 'The Whit.' Jim lives in New Jersey with his wife Nicole, son Tony and dog Phoebe.

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