Court fines and fees as a result of a police-initiated traffic stop: A bad issue that needs to be fixed

Police fines and fees can be a burden for many drivers, especially those who are low-income. These fines and fees can quickly add up, and many drivers cannot afford to pay them all at once. This can lead to a cycle of debt and poverty, as drivers are forced to choose between paying their fines and fees and meeting other basic needs.

One of the most common ways that police issue fines is through traffic stop investigations. When a driver is pulled over for a moving or non-moving violation, the officer may issue them a ticket regardless of the circumstance. This ticket can include a fine, as well as other fees. If the driver does not pay the fine and fees by a certain date (typically 90 days), their driver's license may be suspended, and a warrant may be issued for their arrest. Once the debt goes to a third-party debt collector, the fines and fees will have additional "collections" fees added to them. These add on fees can be as high as 30% - 40% in some states like Florida, Georgia, Arizona, Illinois, and Tennessee.

Suspending a driver's license can have a devastating impact on a person's life. It can make it difficult or impossible to get to work, school, or doctor's appointments. It can also make it difficult to find a job, as many employers require a valid driver's license.

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