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Lawmakers are turning to speeders and bad drivers to save Florida�s courts and prisons from the budget ax. Today state senators voted to raise the cost of a traffic ticket. As Whitney Ray tells us, some drivers say if the new prices stick, they wouldn�t be able to afford them.

Hear it Here: Lawmakers Look to Drivers to Balance the Budget

There�s now more incentive to stay on the right side of the law. Speeders beware, state Lawmakers are voting to raise traffic fines. Senator Victor Crist said raising ticket prices will make Florida�s roads safer.

�There has been a growing epidemic of those running red lights, those driving at excessive levels over the speed limit. With less law enforcement on the street it only makes sense to get tougher on those who would break the law,� said Crist.

The price of running a red light will soon go up ten bucks, to $208 dollars. Speeding will also be more expensive: 20 miles per hour over the limit will cost $258 dollars. The legislation takes away a judges right to waive fines.�

Martell Correa said the higher fines could change some people�s driving habits

�That�ll probably get them to probably slow down or probably think about what they�re doing on the road,� said Correa.

Teresa Lawrence said she can�t afford the higher prices.

�If I couldn�t pay it, then they going to send out a warrant, because you can�t go to court you can�t pay the ticket, so it�s going to create more problems,� said Lawrence.

An easy answer for drivers worried about the higher ticket cost, obey the law.