News

Base vehicle violations can lead to fines

  • Published
  • By Jenny Gordon
  • 78th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. --  If you're caught talking on a cell phone while driving at Robins - you'll pay for that conversation to the tune of $75.

That's because one year ago, Robins began using a new type of traffic citation policy for moving violations - U.S.District Court Violation Notice DD Form 1805.

Since March 2011, there have been 422 citations written - resulting in more than $30,000 in fines. The 78th Security Forces Squadron enforces all traffic laws on base, which includes the prohibited use of handheld cell phones and other communication devices while operating a motor vehicle. Hands-free phones are allowed.

Security Forces Airmen are trained to recognize and respond to moving violations, including driving recklessly, following too closely, failure to yield, and seat belt and child restraint violations. When a Team Robins driver is pulled over, if he or she is found in violation, a citation is issued.

The most common citations written are for prohibited cell phone usage and failure to stop at a stop sign. What kind of dent to the wallet can violators expect?

A few examples include a $50 fine for failure to obey a traffic control device, which includes not stopping at a red light or stop sign. Depending on location, speeding fines can range from $50 to $275. Another example is driving with an expired registration, which results in a $75 fine. No license? $175. Driving with a revoked license? A fine of $1,025.

Seatbelt violations are $40, while failure to change lanes when approaching a law enforcement officer on the scene of a traffic stop or accident can result in a $525 fine.

Violators can follow instructions on the back of a citation to pay the fine directly by mail to a Central Violations Bureau.

Depending on the situation, a notice to appear in court may be required which takes place at the U.S. Magistrate Court in Macon.

All money collected is not received by Robins, but is deposited through the CVB into the U.S. Treasury.