No it all has to do with generating income for the state and city. Instead of a procedure that results in a dismissal or probation and no income to the city/state, we have a simple ticket with a $100 fine that 90% of the recipients will pay so they don't have a record.

Same with sugary soda and fatty foods. the seller gets a fine and has to pay which generates income for the city.

In the past 3 years the Traffic Cops have gone rampant with tickets for ANYTHING. knowing 70% of the people will not fight it and just pay up, guilty or not.