Readers recommend driving penalties should fit the wallet

QAbout traffic fines, we need to follow Europe and charge fines based on a person’s income. If running a red light (now a $500 fine) were set at one week’s pay, a person making $15 per hour might pay $600. If it were 1% of a person’s net worth, a person worth $600,000 would pay $6,000. And Elon Musk would pay a fine in the range of $186,000,000.

— Max Steinke,

San Jose

AFor more than a decade, some countries have approved this policy. A millionaire Ferrari driver in Switzerland got hit with a $290,000 speeding ticket. Germany, France, Austria and the Nordic countries also issue punishments based on a person’s wealth.

P.S. Elon, obey the speed limit here and overseas, as well.

QA few years ago in Germany, I rented a car in Frankfurt and drove to Marburg. I was driving along a beautiful country road, and suddenly I was absolutely blinded by a bright flash. Wow! I had no idea what it was.

When I told my friends, they said that I tripped a “Blitzer,” a speed camera. Those very powerful lights literally knocked out my ability to see clearly. Guess what? I slowed down.

— Mike Richter, San Jose

A

Mission accomplished. Several countries use speed cameras. Visitors who ignore these tickets are often forced to pay them before returning to the country where they were ticketed. The fine is often hundreds of dollars more by then. Q

A couple of years ago, I drove 2,000 miles in Europe, mostly in Germany, where on many autobahns there is no speed limit. I often felt comfortable driving over 100 mph and was passed as often as I passed. And everyone stays to the right, except when passing. It works.

I’m not suggesting that there should be no speed limits here. But a claim that 55 is the maximum safe speed on the Dumbarton Bridge or 65 on the San Mateo Bridge is untenable. Almost no one drives at or below those speed limits.

Sometimes I drive nice and easy. Then I stay right and don’t impinge on others’ choices. Sometimes I drive faster. Then I go only as far left as traffic flow indicates. This is the key, as you’ve said many times: Drive with care and skip the righteous road bouldering.

— Doug McKenzie,

Berkeley A More about road boulders … Q If you’re in the left lane, and you’re going about the same speed as cars to your right, you’re not going fast enough.

Your screwing up smooth traffic flow is more dangerous than excessive speed. — Paul Dickinson

A

The lane to the right sounds like it would be the right one.