Wireless Guide News

Q Maybe my ability to understand ticket fines is limited. But just why, exactly, does a $ 20 fine for a cellphone ticket cost $ 159 when fees are added? Why isn’t the fine just $ 159 and be done with it? Why is it necessary for all the subterfuge in coming up with the real fine? I like being able to understand the world. I am likely a dreamer though.

Bruce Korb

Santa Cruz

A You are. Many drivers are frustrated that the base fine listed is only a fraction of the total amount of a ticket. That’s why when a driver is handed a ticket and asks an officer how much the fine will be, the cop will often say they don’t know.

Here’s a partial breakdown on how a $ 20 cellphone ticket turns into around $ 160, according to the DMV:

• State penalty assessment: $ 20.
• County penalty assessment: $ 14.
• DNA penalty assessment: $ 8.
• Court penalty assessment: $ 10.
• Surcharge: $ 4.
• EMS penalty assessment: $ 4.
• Other fees: $ 80.

  Total: Around $ 160.

  For a description of penalties and fees, go to www.courts.ca.gov/documents/SP11-17.pdf.

  Q A good portion of Old Soquel San Jose Road through the Santa Cruz Mountains was rec…………… continues on San Jose Mercury News

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• September 4, 2012
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The mere presence of a phone affects how you relate to others

By Helen Lee Lin