Letter: Red light camera fines in Citrus Heights are excessive

To put this into perspective, this fine is equivalent to a full week’s paycheck—or more—for countless hardworking people. It creates a situation where a momentary mistake on the road can lead to financial hardship, forcing individuals to choose between paying the fine or meeting essential expenses like rent, groceries, or utilities. In some cases, this could result in debt or even further legal trouble if the fine cannot be paid on time.

I come from a different state where the fine for running a red light is $122.50—a fraction of what I had to pay in Sacramento. While I understand that traffic fines serve as a deterrent, the amount I was charged feels punitive, not corrective. It’s hard not to wonder if such excessive fines are more about generating revenue than improving road safety.

I urge Sacramento and California policymakers to reconsider the structure of traffic fines. These penalties should hold drivers accountable but also be fair and proportional to the offense…

No one should have to risk their financial stability over a single traffic violation. Let’s work toward a justice system that protects public safety without creating undue burdens for the people it serves.

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