The San Francisco Superior Court announced new Ability To Pay guidelines for people who struggle to pay off traffic ticket debt. People whose incomes are below 250 percent of the Federal Poverty Line (about $60,000 for a family of four), can now have their ticket burden reduced up to 80 percent or more. The overall guidelines are described on the San Francisco Superior Court's new “Can’t Afford to Pay” web page.To apply, people can submit a new Ability To Pay form, and ask to have their traffic fines and fees reduced, based on their income.
They can also request to pay off their fines on a payment plan, or by performing community service. A new informational flyer is available to walk people through the process, and a list of community organizations is available for people who would like support filling out the form. Translated versions of the form and flyer are available as reference guides in Spanish and Chinese. We are proud to partner with the courts any many community organizations to develop these new guidelines, which will make a big difference for people who are struggling. Here’s our announcement about the reforms.