Seriously??? San Francisco to implement country's first "income-based" traffic fine system

SAN FRANCISCO, CA - Breaking new ground in traffic enforcement, San Francisco, known for its progressive policies, is set to launch the country's first income-based punishment program for traffic offenders. In a recent announcement, Mayor Daniel Lurie unveiled an innovative automated speed camera enforcement program with a unique twist: fines will be determined based on the offender's income. 

Lurie claims public safety is his priority; however, with the San Francisco Police Department short-staffed, the city had to turn to automated enforcement. 

“No matter how you get around our city, you should be able to do it without fearing for your life. That is why I am proud that San Francisco is the first city in California to implement automated speed cameras,” Lurie said. “Speeding is the number one cause of traffic injuries and fatalities in this city. It is my job as mayor to protect our residents and visitors and that is what we are doing today.” 

The city is deploying cameras at 33 locations citywide in the city’s so-called “High Injury Network,” comprising 12% of streets with the highest concentration of severe injury and fatal motor vehicle crashes. Once the cameras are installed, there will be a 60-day no-fee waiting period before tickets are issued. San Francisco has posted camera locations and fine amounts on the SFMTA Speed Safety Camera website. 

The program, approved by California Gov. Gavin Newsom, will focus on reducing speeding in high-risk zones such as school areas.

The income-based fines have received criticism, with low-income drivers getting discounts of up to 50% to mitigate financial burdens, Republican News reports. Critics charge that the scheme “fosters inequality” and should assess fines equally across the board. 

“A speeding ticket isn’t a tax bill; it’s a consequence for endangering lives,” said city resident and political commentator Richie Greenberg.

Is it fair to equate one's fear for one's life with the income of the offending driver? This seems to be the program's underlying principle, a notion that some may find absurd. 

Some other critics call the sliding scale a “woke penalty loophole,” while others claim it is fair to acknowledge “economic diversity.” The next thing you know, San Francisco will employ sliding scales for matters such as shoplifting, where the total of the heist will be discounted on a sliding scale based on the offender's income. Don’t think it can’t happen, especially in the liberal lala land of California. 

The fine scale ranges from $50 to $500, with discounts for annual incomes under $30,120. It was not divulged how people’s incomes would be obtained or whether they would be gross income or adjusted gross income. Whatever is chosen will involve another degree of government snooping on its citizens. 

California law authorizing speed cameras specifically exempts offenders issued tickets under such enforcement from receiving points on their license. Also, the cameras operate without facial recognition, so apparently, the registered owner will be responsible for the ticket, whether or not they were actually operating the vehicle. 

If San Francisco’s program proves successful, it could serve as a model for other cities in California. As the outlet notes, 'the system represents a significant departure from traditional punitive methods, offering a more inclusive model that mirrors the economic realities of those penalized.' 

Equity comes to law enforcement. You can’t make it up.