California Increases Traffic Ticket Costs with Additional Fees

A CBS News California investigation reveals that traffic tickets often come with hidden fees that can significantly inflate the total cost, as exemplified by Kris Kahrs’ $486 ticket, where the actual fine was just $100. Despite state laws prohibiting such fees unless by a state agency, lawmakers have been adding various charges unrelated to traffic violations, leading to a financial burden, especially for low-income drivers. An audit conducted nearly a decade ago highlighted the arbitrary nature of these fees and urged legislative action, which remains unaddressed. Governor Gavin Newsom’s office stated that they aim for transparency and fairness in traffic-related fees, but many continue to struggle with these financial pressures.