Though fines are intended to deter unwanted behaviors, many cities use them as a revenue source. For the first time in over 20 years, San Diego raised its parking citation prices, citing inflation and the need to help close the city’s budget deficit. This adjustment resulted in $33 million in assessments between January and October, $4 million more than the previous year. The city treasurer’s Delinquent Accounts Program is trying to recover $265 million in delinquent fines, fees, and missing payments, $123 million of which is from delinquent parking tickets dating back to the 1980s. The city has a structured escalation process for unpaid citations that results in crippling debt for low-income residents. When residents don’t pay their tickets within 35 days, the amount owed doubles as a late penalty, then an additional $10 late fee is added at day 56; after 72 days the debt is forwarded to the city treasurer’s delinquent account program, where the debt will accumulate 7 percent annual interest, and the DMV will place a hold on their vehicle’s registration. For those who can’t afford to pay this, the cost can spiral out of control, and they may even have their vehicle towed.
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