This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
Among the many bills Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger approved and vetoed was one that would have significantly lowered the fine for drivers caught on camera slowly blowing a red light to make a right-hand turn. If approved, the fine would have dropped from $450 to $219, which is the fine given to motorist caught running a stop sign, according to the Mercury News.
"A driver running a red light, whether they are traveling straight or turning right, makes a very dangerous traffic movement that endangers the nearby motoring public, bicyclists and pedestrians," read Schwarzenegger's veto message. "Modifying existing law to make red-light violations from a right turn less egregious sends the wrong message to the public that California is tolerant of these types of offenses."
Some believe Schwarzenegger's motive was more about the state's budget gap than public safety. The bill's author, Jerry Hill (D - San Mateo) says the fine is not fair to citizens and that there is no evidence that cheaper fines lead to increased risk of the public.
