In April, the Minnesota Supreme Court found that the red-light cameras operated by the City of Minneapolis were illegal, as they fined vehicle owners rather than vehicle operators, in violation of state law.In response to the ruling, Minneapolis dismissed any pending cases against red-light runners. But for those who already paid the fine (estimated at up to 20,000 tickets), the city has offered to expunge their record, but does not plan to return the $142 fine amount, saying the refund was a matter for the courts.
Here in Central Florida, many cities have been holding their breath (and policy) on red-light cameras, waiting for a court resolution or a clear state statute. If this type of policy holds, will the floodgates open, as the cameras would virtually pay for themselves, even if the criminal charges don't stick?
2 comments:
HASN'T THAT BEEN CHALLENGED IN OTHER COURTS? AND WON? IN OTHER WORDS, WHAT THE LAW IS TRYING TO DO IS ASSIGN LIABILITY TO THE PERSON WHO GAVE RESPONSIBILITY OF ACTION TO THE DRIVER. TO PUT IT SIMPLY, IT MAKES THE OWNER RESPONSIBLE FOR THE ACTIONS OF THE DRIVER. ITS SIMILAR TO WHEN YOU LET YOUR 16 YR OLD BORROW YOUR CAR. YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY DAMAGES, OR DEATH THAT OCCURS BY OR THRU NEGLECT. TO PUT IT SIMPLY, IF THE OWNER CAN PROVE, IN COURT, HE WAS NOT DRIVING AND PROVE, AGAIN, IN COURT, THAT SO AND SO WAS, HE DOES NOT GET THE POINTS, BUT MAY, INDEED, PAY THE FINE.
That's fantastic. One more blow against the nanny state.
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