10/7/10-Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger signed a bill into law that is intent on making sure local governments don’t cut out a source of revenue for the state government.
Intended to end a “patchwork of laws” for drivers cited for moving violations, the new law prohibits local law enforcement in cities that include Long Beach, Oakland and Alameda County from issuing their own tickets for certain traffic violations already covered under state law. SB949 takes effect next summer.
Local authorities, who already get a share of ticket fines, will be prohibited from enacting or enforcing an ordinance involving violations covered by the state vehicle code, such as speeding and running red lights. Cities and counties could continue to issue administrative tickets for violating posted signs, such as stop signs.
Administrative tickets are much cheaper than tickets issued under the vehicle code. In certain instances, the fine can be less than half the amount of a state-issued ticket.

9/8/10-A bill on its way to Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger’s desk is intent on making sure local governments don’t cut out a source of revenue for the state government.
The Senate voted unanimously to sign off on Assembly changes to a bill that would prohibit local law enforcement in cities that include Long Beach, Oakland and Alameda County from issuing their own tickets for certain traffic violations already covered under state law.
Sponsored by Sen. Jenny Oropeza, D-Long Beach, SB949 would prohibit local authorities, who already get a share of ticket fines, from enacting or enforcing an ordinance involving violations covered by the state vehicle code, such as reckless driving and running red lights. Cities and counties could continue to issue administrative tickets for violating posted signs, such as speed limits and stop signs.
Administrative tickets are much cheaper than tickets issued under the vehicle code. In certain instances, the fine can be less than half the amount of a state-issued ticket.
For bill status, call 916-651-4171.