[HateDCRoads]

I think it is primarily about revenue generation, but not always. I think it depends on the example:

1) Speed cameras. I am actually OK with these in towns, in front of schools, etc., where you really need the reaction time if some kid runs out into the street. These cameras really do work in terms of slowing people down, however, the municipality, gov't, and the private contractor which gets a share of the fines are really more focused on the revenue, as evidenced by the fact that the cameras tend be installed in places where they generate more tickets (e.g., rural Montgomery Country) than where speed safety is critical (in front of schools).

2) Red Light cameras. Same argument as above, but at least in DC, this is 100% about revenue. Studies have conclusively shown that the way to reduce red-light running is to lengthen the yellow/caution period. DC has refused to to do this, choosing instead to install cameras, so I think you can draw your own conclusions.

3) Radar detectors. I have thought about why states would ban them, and the only answer is revenue. If the goal of speed enforcement is to slow people down, than detectors actually do this elegantly - every time a cop is sitting up ahead running radar, everyone with a detector slows down. So the only logic for banning them is that they reduce revenue.

4) Traditional Speed Traps. 100% about revenue and this is blatantly obvious. Hiding the patrol car so you can't see it until you are on top of it means that, since no one sees the car, no one slows down. But it means that you get to write lots of tickets ($$).

Net, pretty obvious that speed enforcement is primarily about revenue. If it wasn't, you would have the troopers patrol up and down the highway, since most people behave themselves when there is an officer in the next lane.

I don't really mind the fines that much, but I do think the points system is silly. In DC, 15 over is five points, not wearing your seatbelt is 2 points, and blatantly running a stop sign is 3 points. I would think that speeding should be 1 point, stop sign should be 5 points, and seatbelt should be no points. Go figure.