Traffic Tickets on the Rise in July

The Washington Traffic Safety Commission is conducting a Click It or Ticket Campaign until the end of the month. Washington State Patrol Troopers are searching for drivers who speed and don't buckle up.

But if you are stopped and given a ticket the cost of that ticket will be cheaper this month than in the month of July. Starting July 1, the state Supreme Court is boosting the base fines for most traffic infractions by $12.
It's the first increase since 2007.

The money is partly to help cities and counties provide legal defense for people accused of crimes who can't pay for counsel, and partly for a new computer system for the state's district courts.

Chief Justice Barbara Madsen said in a Monday news release that it was a tough decision, because the operations of the court system should not depend on fines and fees, which disproportionately hurt low-income people.

Four of the court's justices dissented from the order increasing the fines. But Madsen also said the increase is a reasonable amount, and the court will work with the Legislature to reduce the consequences for those who have difficulty paying fines and fees.