Quickly. In Sacramento County, CA, last year, I got a red light ticket (turning right without stopping). I paid the fine and opted for traffic school. I was charged a "fine" of $496 and they added $52 in various fees associated with traffic school attendance. Total $548. I did not attend court. I did this all online.

I am now filling out a federal application that wants me to check a box and provide details for any previous arrests or convictions. My red light ticket is the only one. The form specifically excludes traffic violations, but, in parenthesis it says (unless it involved a fine of $500 or more).

So my question is, given the language of specifically using the word "fine," would i be correct to check [ ] No?

I could check [ ] Yes and provide my documents that I have completed all requirements. I was actually in process of doing that when I noticed the itemization and that the fine was only $496.

The letter I got in the mail said $496 fine. But the receipt i have from the website itemized differently, and I was looking at that first. For some reason it did a $537 red light violation, $10 DMV History fee, and $1 night court. Total was $548 as expected.

To be honest it would be nice to know the legal difference of fees and fines incase this comes up again in the future. Thank you.