Can I get rid of Criminal Fines and Traffic Tickets in Bankruptcy?

Millions of tickets are dolled out every year, not to mention government penalties and fines.  Government tickets and fines are one of the most common forms of debt.  Can these be discharged through a bankruptcy filing?  In Chapter 7 bankruptcy, section 523(a)(7) of the Bankruptcy Code specifically states that fines and penalties owed to or [...]