I just happened upon this thread and will admit upfront not yet having read the info on the bill. However just on it's face I have to say I'm sorry but I think this is unbelievable and I come from a place of never having had a speeding or other traffic ticket. Speeding, unsafe lane changes, driving under the influence, parking in a handicap spot when your not handicapped, etc. are all within one's control to do or not do. How breaking the law entitles you to pay less of a fine/penalty than the next person who is also in control of his actions is beyond me. They increased fines overtime to discourage people from these behaviors (and yes it generates money as well...which to be honest I'm not even sure where that money goes and gets spent on). I don't think we are talking about the super rich here in California getting tickets. Even to people who make a good income in this expensive state where everything seems heavily taxed, $500 is $500. I don't think anyone I know is flippant about money like that even if they are in the tech industry for example. Generally their living expenses are in proportion to what they make. What are people now being required to show their last few years of tax returns when they come to court? In general I do think some non-safety tickets by the time you factor in court costs etc have gotten ridiculously high. If being unable to pay a drunk driving fee gets you jail time, probably all for the better if you have been endangering lives out there with your car.
When I get more time I will come back and read the bill's info and might change my mind. But the simple answer is for people to drive in a manner that they don't get ticketed.