Bill would reduce traffic fines for right turn on red violations

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Here’s something you don’t see every day -- a state lawmaker going to bat for traffic violators. And in this era of local government budget problems, a bill to reduce traffic fines seems all the more unlikely.

But that’s just what Assemblyman Jerry Hill (D-San Mateo) wants to do. Hill’s measure would reduce fines for motorists who do not come to a complete stop before turning right on a red light. His bill, AB 909, was sent to Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger Wednesday. “AB 909 is about fairness for California drivers; it’s about clarifying the correct base fine amount for right turn on red violations,” Hill said.

Hill said traffic violations have skyrocketed since the installation of cameras at intersections around the state. According to numbers provided by Hill’s office, such a ticket costs an average of $450. Hill says his measure would reduce the total fine to about $220.

-- Anthony York in Sacramento