For some people, a parking ticket is a minor hassle at most. For others, through no fault of their own, a ticket can unravel their lives and livelihoods as fees quickly multiply and the stakes rise by the day.
Across the country, states impose fines and fees for everything from loitering and jaywalking to low-level traffic citations, such as speeding or parking violations. These frequently cost people far more than their face value. Often these fines are compounded with court fees, regardless of whether the person even goes to court. In other instances, the stakes are higher, and an inability to pay can quickly lead to fees multiplying, driver's license suspensions, water shutoffs or even jail time. As families and neighbors help cover costs, a simple ticket can suddenly unravel the health and economic well-being of entire communities.
The above is an excerpt of a piece originally published in Route Fifty.
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