When you are fined for a violation of the law, where does the money go?

If it's a city law, it goes into the city treasury. Every time I see someone run a red and set off the traffic camera, I think "well, the city just made $500!"

not sure

Depends on the type of violation. But the treasury of either the county, city, state or Federal gets it. If it is property it is auctioned off. 

My wife got a speeding ticket for going 68 in a 55 zone. I'm not gonna tell you how I persuaded the judge to drop the charge, but I gotta admit, it was clever. Poor Tiffin, Ohio didn't get any of our money that day! 

The gub'mint gets it.


The question I ask is ... when the government fines itself, WHY?

In general the money stays in the jurisdiction that convicts.  

On more speed cameras.