STATEHOUSE (Feb. 2, 2010) - In an effort to protect the rights of citizens to contest traffic tickets without facing exuberant fines, lawmakers today approved by a vote of 45-5 capping the amount courts may charge individuals.

“Hoosiers should have reliance on their courts that they can come and fight a charge and present evidence without the fear of being penalized just because they brought their case to court,” said Sen. Mike Young (R-Indianapolis), author of the legislation.

Young authored the legislation after hearing from several constituents in his district about the current practice of Marion County’s traffic court to charge penalties as high as $500 for motorists who opt to contest traffic tickets.

Senate Bill 399 would set the following limits on fines for moving violations, like speeding and running a stop sign, when motorists contest their tickets in court:

• Court costs plus $50.50, if an individual admits to the violation on the court date or is found to have committed the violation and has not committed another violation in the past five years;
• Court cost plus $250.50, if an individual has contested and been found to have committed one moving violation in the past five years; and
• Court cost plus $500, if an individual has contested and been found to have committed two or more violation in the past five years.

SB 399 now moves to the House of Representatives for further consideration.