> The idea is essentially that if people are immediately caught and given a small fine for minor infractions (like expired tags), then they will believe they'll

> The idea is essentially that if people are immediately caught and given a small fine for minor infractions (like expired tags), then they will believe they'll be caught equally quickly for something more major (like running a red light) with greater punishment. I think the theory breaks down completely though when they're not given a punishment for something major. Drivers know they can go 10~15 mph over the speed limit on a highway without getting pulled over so they do so. Drivers know they can run the first second of a red light so they will do so. You can pull people over for as many expired tags as you want but drivers know that running a red light won't get them pulled over so the expired tags won't scare them into thinking running a red light will.