FARGO (AP) - A judge has given preliminary approval to a settlement of a class action lawsuit filed over Fargo's traffic fines.

Under the proposal, the city would pay out a maximum of $1.5 million to about 53,000 drivers.

Fargo had been charging higher traffic fines than state law allowed. The state Supreme Court ruled in March 2008 that cities may not assess fines that exceed state law.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Karen Klein on Wednesday gave preliminary approval to the settlement. A final hearing will be in late November or December, after a period in which people can submit claims.

The two people who sued the city of Fargo over the illegal traffic fines - Stephanie Sauby of West Fargo and James Burns of Fargo - are seeking $10,000 and $5,000 respectively. U.S. District Judge Ralph Erickson will rule on that later, likely before the final hearing on the class action lawsuit settlement.