Attorney Says ND Cities Can`t Charge Higher Traffic Fines

Attorney Says ND Cities Can`t Charge Higher Traffic Fines
11/5/2007
An attorney is arguing that North Dakota`s cities cannot charge higher traffic fines than the state does.

The North Dakota Supreme Court is considering the case. It`s drawn interest from North Dakota`s larger cities. Many of them have fines for speeding and traffic offenses that are much higher than state penalties.

Federal Judge Rodney Webb has asked the state Supreme Court to rule on whether North Dakota law allows home-rule cities to charge higher traffic fines than the state does. A home-rule city has limited powers of self-government.

The case involves Fargo day care worker Stephanie Sauby, whose lawsuit says the city overcharged her for five traffic offenses.