Red light camera - paying a "convenience" fee

[John Ranalletta]

Someone I know received a summons in the mail with pictures of the violation. The person turned right on a red w/o stopping. The images and a video were available on the web; so guilt wasn't an issue.

 

When electing to pay the fine online, the web payment widget added a $2.00 convenience fee to the fine. Paying it by check would adds the cost of an envelop and a first class stamp - maybe 50 cents. WFT!!! Who's convenience?

 

One would think they'd offer a discount for web payment to eliminate the court having to open an envelop, making up a deposit slip and making a run to the bank while waiting for the check to clear.

[Joe Frickin' Friday]

A couple of weeks ago I accidentally parked in a handicapped spot.

 

Same deal around here, an extra fee for paying online (I imagine at least part of that is to recover the credit card transaction fee). Me, I saved the cost of a stamp by putting my check in the drop box at city hall.

[John Ranalletta]

On 2nd thought, it's prolly to offset their cc fee.

[Lawman]

I don't think I would ever pay one of those..What happens if you don't pay?

[ghaverkamp]

On 2nd thought, it's prolly to offset their cc fee.

 

Yes. While dressing it up as a "convenience fee" is annoying, for some of folks (myself included), a small charge is worth the convenience. (I can't remember the number of times I've left an envelope with a check in it -- or a NetFlix DVD -- by the door for an insanely long time.)

[John Ranalletta]

They issue a warrant, Lawman...

 

Since the person will re-visit and need to drive in the state where the offense was committed, the ticket will be paid.

[1LIFE2LIVE]

Consider a Escort 9500ix: Detects all known radars (X, K, etc.), laser, Red Light and fixed position Speed cameras, GPS enabled, Auto learn function (eliminates false alarms after one pass) and Escort sends out a weekly database updates for all of the above for America and Canada.

 

Have owned mine for almost two years switching it between the cars/bike and it has paid for itself dozens of times over = especially when traveling out of state, Nice !

 

Might be worth looking into especially how States, Counties & Cities are in need of $$$$...

[John Ranalletta]

Lot's cheaper to come to a complete stop before turning.

[upflying]

I don't think you are paying a court when you pay those photo citations. You are paying a private company who installs, runs and manages the system. The court then gets a slice of the fine after the company takes their profit. Lot's of third party collections out there and I reckon all add a fee for their services.

[Lets_Play_Two]

 

One would think they'd offer a discount for web payment to eliminate the court having to open an envelop, making up a deposit slip and making a run to the bank while waiting for the check to clear.

 

Why would you think that?

[Lawman]

They issue a warrant, Lawman...

 

Since the person will re-visit and need to drive in the state where the offense was committed, the ticket will be paid.

 

I don't think so..It's not a criminal matter..I believe it's a civil matter..How could the state ever prove beyond a reasonable doubt who was operating the vehicle?

[DiggerJim]

One would think they'd offer a discount for web payment to eliminate the court having to open an envelop, making up a deposit slip and making a run to the bank while waiting for the check to clear.

Slight hijack but when I'm in Chicago I sometimes don't get a rental that has the iPass on the window (Avis usually does but not always - and they add $2+/day to use it) and if I don't notice I'll sail thru the express lanes on the highway. If I realize it, then I go online and they let me pay a 50 cent toll with a credit card! That one has to come up negative after the cc company charges its fee Sometimes you just gotta love it!

[moshe_levy]

Bob hit the nail on the head. The court outsources collections and the "convenience fee" is the third party's profit. Not bad, eh?

 

-MKL

[John Ranalletta]

They issue a warrant, Lawman...

 

Since the person will re-visit and need to drive in the state where the offense was committed, the ticket will be paid.

 

I don't think so..It's not a criminal matter..I believe it's a civil matter..How could the state ever prove beyond a reasonable doubt who was operating the vehicle?

The Notice of Violation states:

If you neither pay the prescribed penalty ... nor appear in court...additional penalties may result. A warrant may be issued for your arrest and your driving privileges in New Jersey may be revoked.

[Natche]

I don't think so..It's not a criminal matter..I believe it's a civil matter..How could the state ever prove beyond a reasonable doubt who was operating the vehicle?

 

On top of that, who's going to appear in court on behalf of the state? Much of the time the police don't even have time to show up for tickets they wrote. Maybe the video evidence is too compelling and the state doesn't need an advocate. Anyone know?

 

My wife got a ticket for 38 in a 25 from a Federal LEO at an Army golf course. This was her first ticket in 30 years of driving and she swore she wasn't going that fast. She went to court to contest it and they gave her the wrong court date and she was the only one there. The clerk dismissed the citation.

[Lawman]

They issue a warrant, Lawman...

 

Since the person will re-visit and need to drive in the state where the offense was committed, the ticket will be paid.

 

I don't think so..It's not a criminal matter..I believe it's a civil matter..How could the state ever prove beyond a reasonable doubt who was operating the vehicle?

The Notice of Violation states:

If you neither pay the prescribed penalty ... nor appear in court...additional penalties may result. A warrant may be issued for your arrest and your driving privileges in New Jersey may be revoked.

 

People get the government they deserve. If what you say is true then we no longer deserve the protections afforded us by the U.S. Constitution; or should we just strike the Fourth Amendment?

[Dennis Andress]

People get the government they deserve. If what you say is true then we no longer deserve the protections afforded us by the U.S. Constitution; or should we just strike the Fourth Amendment?

 

Well, that would speed things up now wouldn't it...

[Harry_Wilshusen]

They issue a warrant, Lawman...

 

Since the person will re-visit and need to drive in the state where the offense was committed, the ticket will be paid.

 

I don't think so..It's not a criminal matter..I believe it's a civil matter..How could the state ever prove beyond a reasonable doubt who was operating the vehicle?

The Notice of Violation states:

If you neither pay the prescribed penalty ... nor appear in court...additional penalties may result. A warrant may be issued for your arrest and your driving privileges in New Jersey may be revoked.

 

People get the government they deserve. If what you say is true then we no longer deserve the protections afforded us by the U.S. Constitution; or should we just strike the Fourth Amendment?

 

The Constitution? Nobody reads that. It's SO old. Like they didn't even post it on facebook before they ratified it!

[AviP]

That's how things work in the government. I just renewed my registration for one of my vehicles on 1st April and it's still not showing me an updated registration online. I called today and after 20 minutes on hold, I was told everything was fine and the online system would get updated in 10 days from the transaction.

 

WTF! 10 days. Haven't they figured out automation yet? The government is run by idiots.

[upflying]

This is how you fight and beat a red light ticket in Daly City Ca.

http://abclocal.go.com/kgo/story?section=news/local/peninsula&id=8060102