The structure behind these inflated costs has become a symbol of broader issues within the state’s legal and financial framework. Hidden Costs Behind Every ViolationOver the years, California lawmakers have added nearly a dozen separate charges to every traffic fine, many unrelated to driving offenses. According to the Fines and Fees Justice Center, even a $35 ticket for rolling through a stop sign can total up to $238 once all the miscellaneous charges are included. According to CBS, California is currently facing a multi-billion-dollar budget deficit, and its ticket revenue has been decreasing year over year. The structure of California’s traffic fines hits low-income residents hardest, reinforcing inequality within the justice system.