Fargo, ND

A lawsuit has been filed and is seeking class action status against the city for allegedly unlawfully charging excessive traffic fines. The lawsuit seeks restitution for anyone receiving a noncriminal traffic violation by Fargo police since Aug. 30, 2001. At that time, the first of three North Dakota district judges ruled the city's fines cannot exceed limits set by the state. The lawsuit claims Fargo's traffic policy violates federal civil rights laws for equal protection, due process and prohibition against excessive fines. It also alleges higher fines act as a moneymaker for the city, rather than a means of increasing enforcement.