Minor Traffic Violations Cost More Than Just a Fine

If you get stopped for a traffic violation, you will pay more than just a fine to your State or Local Government. When you receive a fine it will go on your driving record.

Auto Insurance companies check your driving record and base their insurance premiums partially on that record. So, if you have any driving violation, that means your rate will increase. It happened to my husband recently. He was driving in an unfamiliar area and unfortunately was speeding. The officer gave him a ticket. The ticket cost was $80. When auto insurance renewal time rolled around our auto insurance increased by $300 more a year.

If you shop for insurance, any insurance company that you receive a quote from will check your driving record before they issue a policy. Traffic violations will stay on your record for a minimum of 3 years in most States. More serious violations can stay on your record, in some States, for up to 10 years.

Doesn't quite seem fair does it? Since many State and Local Governments are strapped for cash these days, they are increasing fine amounts and issuing more tickets than ever before. Not only is government increasing fines for traffic violations they are increasing and dreaming up all kinds of fines in search of ways to find more revenue.

Just look at the poor guy in Georgia who can be fined up to $5,000 for growing excessive crops in his garden. He grew so many vegetables that he had enough to give away to his neighbors and even sell a bit at local farmers markets. Excuse me, but I didn't know you could be fined for growing vegetables on your own property. Check out this man's story. I also wonder, as one of this man's neighbors does, why the government is not helping the man. When did government become a hindrance to everyday life?

What Local and State Governments are trying to do is pay for their costs by increasing fines. You might say if you break the law than you suffer the consequences. I agree in part. What we are seeing, however, is government overstepping their bounds on all levels, and it's hurting all of us.

Want to have a reason to get out and vote? Look around. Don't ignore things that are happening around you that restrict your freedoms and are changing our American way of life. Look for candidates who are willing to face the issues and talk about them. Vote.

Sources:

http://qctimes.com/news/state-and-regional/iowa/article_a9afea0a-30b4-11df-a5d9-001cc4c03286.html

http://www.wsbtv.com/video/24981915/index.html