Fines for traffic citations in Switzerland are based on the offender's income (as well as on the nature of the offense). As a result, this very wealthy idiot who was driving his Mercedes over 180mph will have to pay of fine of roughly $1.4 million. See the story here
I love the idea of linking fines to income. It is an easy source of revenue from the government; it discourages dangerous behavior; and, it seems much more fair than our system of having the same fines for everyone. For a poor college student, a $200 ticket might mean a diet of ramen noodles and Natty Light for month. For an ordinary worker, it is a big dent in the monthly budget. For Bill Gates, it is about what he makes about every 5 seconds. The Swiss system at least partially equalizes the pain that each offender experiences.
What is the downside? It really doesn't do much to reduce income inequality or to raise revenue, but it sure feels right.
What might be the unintended consequences? People in expensive cars might become the prime targets of traffic enforcement (sounds like another benefit to me). It could create incentives for bribery. I am not sure how much it would take to bribe the local police officer to let me off with a warning, but I suspect that it is more than than the fine for the traffic violation. On the other hand, if Richie Rich is looking at a $1 million ticket, he might offer a large enough bribe to tempt an otherwise honest cop (or traffic court judge). I am willing to take that risk.
This idea is loaded with potassium goodness: Five Bananas!
