Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that amends the way red light cameras are regulated and tickets are issued in California.

Highlights:

• Specifies that existing law authorizes the limit line, intersection, or other places where a driver is required to stop to be equipped with an automated traffic enforcement system if the governmental agency utilizing the system meets certain requirements, including identifying the system with signs and ensuring that the system meets specified criteria on minimum yellow light change intervals (Sec. 1-5).

• Specifies further that existing law authorizes, until January 1, 2032, the Cities of Los Angeles, San Jose, Oakland, Glendale, and Long Beach, and the City and County of San Francisco to establish a speed safety system pilot program for speed enforcement that utilizes a speed safety system in specified areas, if the system meets specified requirements (Sec. 1-5).

• Defines that existing law prescribes specified requirements for a notice of violation issued according to these provisions, and requires a violation of a speed law that is recorded by a speed safety system to be subject only to a specified civil penalty (Sec. 1-5).

• Authorizes a city, county, or city and county to establish an automated traffic enforcement system program to use those systems to detect a violation of a traffic control signal, if the system meets specified requirements (Sec. 1-5).

• Requires a violation of a traffic control signal that is recorded by an automated traffic enforcement system to be subject only to a $100 civil penalty, as specified (Sec. 1-5).

• Requires that for the issuance of a notice of violation, an initial review, an administrative hearing, and an appeals process, as specified, for a violation under this program (Sec. 1-5).

• Amends and clarifies that a local jurisdiction may utilize an automated traffic enforcement system under these provisions or the above-described provisions authorizing the utilization of an automated traffic enforcement system (Sec. 1-5).

• Specifies that existing law establishes a $25 filing fee for specified appeals and petitions.

• Requires a $25 filing fee for an appeal challenging a notice of violation issued as a result of an automated traffic enforcement system (Sec. 1-5). 

• Requires that a statute that limits the right of access to the meetings of public bodies or the writings of public officials and agencies be adopted with findings demonstrating the interest protected by the limitation and the need for protecting that interest (Sec. 1-5).

• Specifies that the provisions of this bill shall take effect immediately upon passage and approval by the Governor (Sec. 6).

Full Bill Text