07-02-2007, 02:04 PM
A little OT, but from my observation, higher fines and tougher penalties might actually be a good thing. Hear me out....in Europe, fines and penalties are generally much worse than the US (all the way up to losing your license for life).
However, those higher fines mean that required revenue can be gained through fewer traffic stops, by fewer cops, in fewer locations. In my 3 years of living here and the other times I have visited, I have never, ever seen a traffic cop pull anyone over, or ticket anyone, or do anything for that matter, and they are generally very well funded here.
My theory is that higher fines = less nitpickety BS by traffic police. They can focus on actual dangerous offenders like drunk drivers without pulling people over and fining them for a busted taillight.
However I know Europe v. America is apples to oranges, things are different but, at least here, the higher fines work very well, and hell...you can still do 120mph on a 80mph highway and the cops don't care so whatever.
However, those higher fines mean that required revenue can be gained through fewer traffic stops, by fewer cops, in fewer locations. In my 3 years of living here and the other times I have visited, I have never, ever seen a traffic cop pull anyone over, or ticket anyone, or do anything for that matter, and they are generally very well funded here.
My theory is that higher fines = less nitpickety BS by traffic police. They can focus on actual dangerous offenders like drunk drivers without pulling people over and fining them for a busted taillight.
However I know Europe v. America is apples to oranges, things are different but, at least here, the higher fines work very well, and hell...you can still do 120mph on a 80mph highway and the cops don't care so whatever.
Current: '20 Kia Stinger GT2 RWD | '20 Yamaha R3 | '04 Lexus IS300 SD
Past: '94 Mazda RX-7 | '04 Lexus IS300 (RIP) | '00 Jeep XJ | '99 Mazda 10AE Miata | '88 Toyota Supra Turbo
My MM Movies - Watch Them Here
Past: '94 Mazda RX-7 | '04 Lexus IS300 (RIP) | '00 Jeep XJ | '99 Mazda 10AE Miata | '88 Toyota Supra Turbo
My MM Movies - Watch Them Here