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If you’re
ticketed for speeding in a school zone,
failing to stop for a school bus or
allowing your car to sit in a no-parking
zone, you’ll now have to follow the
age-old advice: Tell it to the judge.
A policy
adopted by Chandler Municipal Court in
September adds such violations to the
list of “must appear” offenses that
require the driver to plead his case
personally rather than simply pay a
fine.
The personal
appearance is required, say Chandler
officials, because a judge must consider
aggravating or mitigating factors or the
variety of circumstances to which a
statute may apply.
Also part of
the same law is a requirement doubling
the fines for speeding in a school zone
double if it’s determined that the
required signs are posted.
The increased
fines for this violation vary, depending
on the speed of the vehicle, but range
from $240 to $735. The additional
revenue goes into a fund to pay for
costs related to enforcement of this
violation.
Failure to
stop for a school bus with its stop sign
out is a civil traffic violation with
significant civil penalties for any
violation.
The penalties
are enhanced for subsequent violations
within 36 months. The minimum penalty
for a first violation is a fine of $487.
The minimum penalty for a second
conviction within 36 months is a fine of
$1,387 and a driver’s license suspension
not to exceed six months.
Stopping,
standing or parking is not allowed at
any place where official signs prohibit
it. Penalties can be increased due to
aggravating factors, including prior
offenses.
The maximum
fine for this violation is $477.
For more
information about the new enforcement
policy, call (480) 782-2217 or the
Chandler Municipal Court at (480)
782-4751. |
