Readers React: Action on unfair traffic fines: What took so long?

To the editor: The chief justice of California has asked for an “emergency rule� so Californians do not have to pay for a traffic infraction before going to court. (“State chief justice says unpaid traffic fines should get day in court,� May 21)

What’s the “emergency�? The system and the abusive assessments added on to traffic tickets have existed for decades. A minor traffic offense costs hundreds of dollars.

Did the state’s chief justice only recently find out how unfair the “justice system� is for the average person?

Tom Keiser, Pasadena

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To the editor: Kudos to California Supreme Court Chief Justice Tani Cantil-Sakauye for doing the job the Auto Club should be doing. Forcing fees upon us and requiring a sentence — namely paying a fine and fees — to be served before there is even a trial seems to go against the Constitution.

If the state needs more money for items related to car travel, let it raise the fines so we can all judge their fairness (although fines are inherently unfair because they favor the rich over the poor). But to assess fees, especially ones not related to the enforcement of motor vehicle laws, is obscene.

Charles Miller, Ventura

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