CA Speeding, Red-Light Penalties Are The Costliest In America: Ranking

CALIFORNIA — California's combined penalties for speeding and red-light violations are the highest in the country, according to a recent ranking.

The Golden State came in first in the study by personal injury law firm John Fitch, which sourced data from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety to find the states with the most expensive combined maximum fines and penalties for speeding and red-light violations.

California topped the list, with fines of up to $500 for speeding over 100 mph, the highest speeding fine in any state, according to the ranking, which noted drivers could be penalized as much as $500 plus points for red-light infractions, the third-highest red-light penalty nationwide. The state has the highest combined penalties for speeding and red-light violations of all 50 states.

Arizona was second in the ranking and Oregon was third.

"This study offers insight on the states with the strictest penalties for negligent driving,” a John Fitch spokesperson said in a news release.

“Speeding and red-light violations pose significant risks to other road users, and fines help to deter these kinds of dangerous behaviors and to hold individuals accountable for their actions. Additionally, these penalties help offset the expenses related to enforcing traffic laws and responding to accidents caused by speeding or running red lights.”

Rounding out the ranking's top 10, in order from fourth to 10th, were Illinois, Ohio, New Mexico, Iowa, Missouri, Delaware and Florida.