MAN COMPLAINS ABOUT RED LIGHT CAMERAS, GETS SLAPPED WITH A FINE

Mats Järlström’s wife got snagged by one of Oregon’s red light cameras back in 2013. He challenged the ticket by questioning the timing of the yellow lights at intersections where the cameras had been installed. He did some basic research into red light cameras and their effectiveness. He also noticed that the company providing the red light cameras were making 40% off of every fine, so it was in their best interest to create a situation where more drivers were cited. Järlström sent a letter to officials in 2014 asking for the opportunity to present his research on how too-short yellow lights were making money for the state, and the company, and putting the public’s safety at risk. His letter included the words, “I am an engineer.” In response, Järlström was fined $500 by the Oregon State Board of Examiners for Engineering and Land Surveying for “practicing engineering without being registered.” Järlström is now suing the state board over that fine, arguing that it’s unconstitutional to prevent someone from doing math without the government’s permission.
* Why would anybody want to do math anyway, with or without permission?
* Typical response from the government: “You want to complain? That’s a 500 dollar fine.”
* Remember when we weren’t so much like Stalinist Russia? Me neither.
* I like how he says it’s unconstitutional, like that still matters.
* Wake up, buddy. The government hasn’t been following the Constitution for years now.
* In a way, he kind of deserves it for the smug “I’m an engineer” crack.
* This all started in 2013? Well, at least it’s moving forward in a timely manner.
* Meanwhile his wife is out there right now running more yellow lights.