323 Drivers Take Part in Ticket Amnesty

Less than 1% of the drivers eligible for a state-mandated amnesty program that reduces penalties for traffic tickets have taken advantage of the savings, according to officials of the Ventura County Superior and Municipal courts.

The program, authorized by Assembly Bill 3095, applies to traffic tickets and moving violations that are more than 6 months old, said Vince Ordonez, assistant executive officer of the courts. It began May 1 and runs through Nov. 1.

More than 41,000 cases meet the program requirements, but just 323 individuals have taken advantage of the amnesty offer.

“Part of the reason for the low number of individuals taking advantage of the program is that many tickets are given to people who are not from the area,” Ordonez said. “They are cited while driving through Ventura County.”

Under the program, drivers cited for such basic driving offenses as running a stop light pay a flat rate of $100, plus processing fees. Without the amnesty program, running a red light would cost $266, plus fees. Misdemeanor cases, such as hit-and-run, cost $500, plus fees.

Drivers with unpaid tickets that are less than 6 months old should not try to duck payment by waiting for the next amnesty program, Ordonez warned.

“You can end up with a hold on your car registration or driver’s license, so you can’t renew them,” he said.

Although the program has collected more than $33,000 so far, the state takes the bulk of the money, Ordonez said. Court officials will keep track of administrative costs for the amnesty program, versus how much the county nets.

“We think we will break even,” he said. “The main objective is to clear our records and to reduce paperwork.”

Anyone with questions about eligibility for the program may call the courts at 662-6620.