BAKERSFIELD, Calif. — If you are caught driving recklessly in Bakersfield, expect some expensive fees.
The Bakersfield Police Department and California Highway Patrol issued 66 citations and impounded 28 vehicles for reckless driving over the weekend, which led to 6 arrests.
The vehicles that were impounded will remain in various tow yards for a minimum of 30 days, before the owner is able to get it out. But, that's if they can afford to.
"The tow fee at the tow-truck place is just above $1200 dollars," according to BPD Traffic Sergeant Kenneth Sporer.
On top of that, "there is a police department fee. It's around $100 dollars... and then you still have the criminal fees and criminal aspect to take care of in court," which is " anywhere between 150 bucks up to $1000 for your first offense [of reckless driving].
BPD wants residents to be aware of these hefty costs, as they have doubled down on street racing enforcement in recent months, underscoring their zero tolerance policy for reckless driving and street racing.
"Zero tolerance is everybody is going to get a ticket," Sporer said.
No warnings, no excuses.
"Whatever vehicle code section I stop you for, you're going to get a ticket for that," Sporer said. "It may just be tinted windows, but that could lead into other things. I may end up inspecting your vehicle and giving you an emissions ticket."
According to BPD, units will enforce reckless driving operations every weekend.
