City mulls new way to handle drivers with moving violations

Published 12:34 pm Thursday, February 17, 2011

Port Orchard drivers with driving tickets may soon have a new plea option.

The prosecutor won’t add the ticket to their driving record if they choose to pay the fine rather than contesting it in court.

“It’s just a good option for people,” said Port Orchard Police Chief Alan Townsend. “It speeds up the process.”

And many people care more about their driving record, which impacts their insurance rate, than they do about an individual ticket.

It’s also good for the city, he said.

“More of the money from the tickets will stay in the city,” he said.

Police have already put together a draft of the legislation, and it would be instituted by Sept. 1 if the city council approves it.