No one should have to choose between paying a traffic ticket and feeding their family.

Unfortunately that is not always the case. For many lower income people a $375 traffic citation could mean a huge chunk of their monthly income, while that same ticket for a wealthier person is laughable. This means the deterrent and fine only affects the poor, undermining one of the most important tenets of our justice system. Let the punishment fit the crime. In many European countries traffic citation are tied to a person's income. These “day-fines” ensure that every person, whether rich or poor, feels the same punishment in the exact same way.

I want the state of California to lead the way in a more equal justice system and become a model for the rest of the country by implementing day-fines for traffic citations instead of flat fees.

My name is Richard Arp. I am a caregiver to disabled adults and drive everyday for work. I decided to write this petition because I recently experienced the effects of America’s unequal traffic justice system. I was stopped while driving with a valid day permit. In spite of the permit the CHP officer issued a citation for expired registration. I intended to explain in court. But the court would not even hear my case unless I first posted a $300 bail which I didn’t have, so I was declared guilty and fined $375. When I couldn't pay they added a $300 civil assessment, bringing it to $675. If I can’t pay, my wages will be garnished and my driver’s license will be seized making it harder to work and make a living.

On June 8, 2015 the Judicial Council of California Issued an emergency order that courts stop imposing these “pay to play” up-front bond fees before allowing a trial.

Unfortunately this does not go at all far enough. It doesn’t help the millions of others who have lost their licenses due to now defunct court practices. It does nothing to remedy $300 civil assessments, nor bring fines which have risen up to 500% to prior levels. They’ve far outpaced inflation. These fines have become “taxation by citation,” sometimes financing 90% of a town’s budget and incenting their police to write specious tickets. The fines are still assessed without regard to the income of the citation recipient. All of this still needs to change. One Colorado town issues most of its citations for “obstructing a driver’s view” if anything is found attached to a visor or rearview mirror.

As is done in Germany and other countries throughout Europe, linking fines to income by making the them a percentage rather than a flat fee has been shown to be a much better deterrent for all drivers. To someone living paycheck to paycheck any fine is a big problem, especially one as inflated as current fines. To anyone with means to cover more than their basic needs that is not the case. It’s an inconvenience rather than a catastrophe.

It is not my intention to make fines so costly that higher income earners have to experience the same general financial hardship people of lesser means do. No one should. A traffic citation should be an uncomfortable fine that deters you from breaking the law, not something that takes food off your table. The same crime should have the same punishment, which should be felt the same way by all.

Please join me and ask California to bring equality to its justice system. Ask California to implement income-based day-fines.