H.3685 proposes that an additional $5 surcharge be tacked on to any ticket stemming from a misdemeanor traffic offense or non-traffic violation if the ticket is issued electronically. Electronic ticketing is emerging as a popular and efficient alternative to the classic paper-written tickets. E-tickets receive praise for increasing patrol productivity, ticket accuracy, and officer safety. Implementing an electronic system can be beneficial, but expecting violators to pay for the service is not just. Additionally, 80% of the surcharge goes back to the law enforcement agency that prepared the ticket. At the expense of citizen-drivers, the goal of this bill is to secure a source of revenue to pay for the new technology.
By South Carolina Policy Council
Since 1986 the South Carolina Policy Council Education Foundation has advocated innovative policy ideas that advance the principles of limited government and free enterprise. The Policy Council is the state’s meeting place for business leaders, policymakers, and academics – as well as engaged citizens – who want to see South Carolina become the most free state in the nation. For questions or comments on the articles on this website, please email Research Director Jamie Murguia.