Traffic violator school: fees.
If enacted, AB 1134 would significantly impact how traffic-related court fees are processed, effectively easing the financial burden on defendants facing economic challenges. By permitting installment payments, the bill fosters greater compliance with traffic education requirements, potentially reducing traffic violations and accidents caused by uneducated drivers. The legislative intent is to ensure that justice is served without disproportionately penalizing individuals based on their financial situation.
Assembly Bill No. 1134, introduced by Assembly Member Limn, proposes to amend Section 42007 of the Vehicle Code concerning fees associated with attending traffic violator school. Under current law, the clerk of the court collects a fee equivalent to the total bail set for traffic offenses, necessitating full payment prior to attendance in traffic school. The proposed amendment seeks to accommodate defendants who demonstrate financial hardship by allowing them to pay the required fee in installments, enabling attendance upon payment of the first installment. This change aims to make traffic violator school more accessible to individuals who cannot afford the lump sum payment upfront.
While supporters of AB 1134 argue that this amendment promotes fairness and accessibility within the justice system, some critics raise concerns regarding the administrative processes involved in managing installment payments. Questions have been raised about the feasibility of tracking multiple payment plans and the risk of increased default rates, which could lead to further legal consequences for defendants if they fail to adhere to their payment plans. The bill's implications for judicial resources and the overall burden on the court system will need careful consideration as it progresses through the legislative process.