Traffic Ticket Amnesty Program Begins

To be eligible, the due date for payment of the fine must be before January 1, 2009

Nearly 1 million people are eligible for a steep discount on their delinquent traffic tickets under the state's new amnesty program that began January 1.

Officials say drivers who pay their outstanding tickets by June 30 will get 50% off. The program was developed by the state legislature in an effort to raise much needed revenue.

To be eligible, the due date for payment of the fine must be before January 1, 2009 and drivers cannot owe restitution on any case within the county.

The half-off applies to the original base fine plus any additional penalties and court fees. Parking tickets, red light tickets, reckless driving fines, and DUI fines are not covered by the program.

The state could gain an additional $45 million dollars revenue under the program which ends June 30, 2012.

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