GIMME A BRAKE (LIGHT): MUTUAL AID AS SOLIDARITY
In Hidalgo County, the average fine for a violation cited for a broken brake light or tail light varies. After calling several city municipal courts to inquire about the average cost of this type of violation, we found out it costs $120 to $130 in McAllen, $218 in Weslaco, $177 to $190 in Harlingen, and $180 in Brownsville. Minor traffic violations can lead to suspension of your driver’s license, resulting in more fines or even jail time. This is just one way poverty is criminalized at the hands of the police, making it expensive to be poor.The criminalization of poverty happens at the expense of working-class communities living paycheck to paycheck. When juggling multiple jobs, bills, and rent payments, the poor and working class receive a punitive response from the state instead of much-needed assistance.
