So You Decided to Play Stop Sign Chicken in California? How Much Will It Cost You?
Let's face it, we've all been there. You're cruising down the sunny California coast, windows down, hair blowing in the breeze (or maybe it's a helmet situation, motorcycle riders, we see you). You glance at the intersection, see a stop sign looming like a red octagonal judge, and...well, let's just say your inner speed demon decides to politely disagree with its authority.
But then reality hits (along with the flashing lights in your rearview mirror). You've just become the proud recipient of a stop sign violation ticket. Uh oh. Time to shift gears from cruising to calculating how much this little oopsie is going to set you back.
Buckle Up, Buttercup: Here's the Damage
The base fine for running a stop sign in California is a cool $238. That's like, a whole week's worth of avocado toast (or a fancy coffee habit, no judgement). But wait, there's more!
- Court fees: These can vary depending on the county, but let's just say they won't exactly make you want to do a happy dance.
- State penalty assessments: California loves its little assessments, and this ticket is no exception. Expect to cough up some extra dough for this bureaucratic fun.
Do the math (or don't, there's probably an app for that), and you're easily looking at a stop sign snafu costing upwards of $270. Ouch. That's a hefty price to pay for a little bout of lead-footed defiance.
But Wait, There's More! (The Not-So-Funny Part)
A stop sign ticket isn't just a slap on the wrist (or a dent in your wallet). It also comes with a bonus point on your driving record. Here's the not-so-funny part:
- Points can lead to higher insurance rates. So that speeding ticket from last year combined with this little stop sign disagreement? Yeah, your insurance company might not be sending you a fruit basket any time soon.
- Too many points can lead to a suspended license. Nobody wants to be a pedestrian in California (except maybe on Rodeo Drive...but that's a whole other story).
The Moral of the Story?
Stop signs are there for a reason (shocker, right?). They keep us, our fellow drivers, and those adorable jaywalking squirrels safe. So next time you're cruising down the coast, take a deep breath, channel your inner chill vibes, and come to a complete stop.
Your wallet, your driving record, and those furry little road-crossers will thank you for it.
