Santa Barbara County Supervisors Vote To Increase Traffic Fines To Fund Medical Services
The Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday voted unanimously to increase fines, penalties and other charges related to traffic violations to offset the cost of unpaid hospital and emergency department bills, the Associated Press reports. The county will create a Maddy Emergency Services Fund, which will be financed by a 12% increase in fines for all speeding tickets and other vehicle code violations.
Under the rule, parking fines also would increase by $2.50. The Associated Press reports that fines for drunken driving violations would be the largest revenue source for the fund (Associated Press, 11/3).
According to the Los Angeles Times, the fine and fee increases will raise about $1 million annually (Los Angeles Times, 11/4).