Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara has introduced a new bill aimed at limiting the exorbitant surcharges associated with speeding tickets in New York State. The bill seeks to establish a fairer system by ensuring that penalties align with the offense as defined by law, while also mandating that any surcharges imposed are proportionate to the fine amount.

Under the current system, drivers convicted of speeding offenses or traffic infractions in New York State face surcharges that have progressively escalated over the years, often surpassing the original fine itself. This concerning practice has resulted in cases where even minor offenses, such as a $45 ticket for exceeding the speed limit by 5 miles per hour, incur additional surcharges often amounting to hundreds of dollars more. Consequently, even minor infractions end up costing drivers hundreds of dollars.

Assemblyman Santabarbara's bill aims to limit these surcharges to a maximum of ten percent of the original fine. This measure ensures that penalties remain reasonable and proportional to the offense committed, as intended by the set penalties established in the law.

"By curbing surcharges, which have inflated to the point where they almost always exceed the original fine, my bill ensures reasonable penalties for offenses as intended by the penalties established in the law," stated Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara. "The current structure appears to prioritize revenue generation rather than ensuring that penalties align with the severity of the offense."

Assemblyman Santabarbara's bill seeks to restore fairness and transparency to the system when it comes to surcharges. By introducing this legislation, he aims to address the growing concerns of New York State residents who believe that the current system disproportionately penalizes them for minor infractions.