Fenton, population 226, brings in over $1 million per year through its mayor’s court, an unusual justice system in which the mayor can serve as judge even though he’s responsible for town finances.

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[–] 4 points 2 years ago (3 children)

So they give out traffic tickets I'd never have to pay if I never visit there again?

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  • [–] [S] 25 points 2 years ago (1 child)

    From the article:

    For those who miss court and don’t pay, the consequences can be severe. Fenton sent the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles about 750 requests to suspend driver’s licenses

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  • [–] 19 points 2 years ago (3 children)

    I dont know how people still think that's how things work.

    You don't pay a ticket in one state, they issue a warrant, then you get arrested in whatever state you live in AND get hauled to the issuing state in the back of a police car.

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  • [–] 5 points 2 years ago (1 child)

    While I'm not saying it's a good idea to avoid fines, most cities aren't going to go more than 30 minutes or so to pick up a warrant for fines only. Heck, I've seen warrants that have a little addendum, "in-state pick-up only," when the crime was a highly charged felony.

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  • [–] 8 points 2 years ago* (last edited 2 years ago) (1 child)

    Even if they opt not to transport, you will get harassed at every traffic stop when warrants pull up. They will take a lot longer than normal, and you still run the risk of getting arrested, even it they don't transport and instead release you later.

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  • [–] 2 points 2 years ago (2 children)

    Over one ticket? That's insane. Where I live if I get a ticket and don't pay they will simply take it out of my bank account.

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  • [–] 10 points 2 years ago (1 child)

    It's also not true. You will get a bench warrant issued for skipping court, but the cops aren't hauling you inter-state for silliness like that.

    What'll happen in most cases is that you skip the fine, skip the court date and the offended state asks your home state to invalidate your driver's license.

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  • [–] 0 points 2 years ago (1 child)

    The warrant is for skipping court. When you get a ticket you can either pay (and many places do not have online payment because they're so outdated) or take it to court. If you don't do either then you get a warrant for skipping court.

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  • [–] 2 points 2 years ago

    That still really stupid. I you want to take ticket to court and then don't show up the court should just rule against to automatically and charge you the administrative costs. Those should be taken from your account. This is how it works in Europe.

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