Kentucky Senate Bill SB112

Kentucky 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/17/24
• Refer: 1/17/24
• Refer: 1/19/24

Caption

AN ACT relating to traffic control signal monitoring systems and making an appropriation therefor.

Impact

If enacted, SB112 would modify the existing traffic enforcement landscape by allowing local law enforcement agencies to utilize automated systems for monitoring red light compliance. This legislation is likely to change the responsibility of penalty enforcement, placing it more on vehicle owners rather than on-site police officers. The act aims to simplify ticket issuing and potentially increase revenue for local governments while purportedly enhancing traffic safety by discouraging red light violations.

Summary

SB112 is a legislative act aimed at the implementation of traffic control signal monitoring systems in the Commonwealth of Kentucky, designed to enforce compliance with red light signals through civil penalties. The proposed law stipulates that if a vehicle is recorded violating a red signal by the monitoring system, the registered vehicle owner may face a civil penalty of fifty dollars. This fine is structured to allocate a portion of the revenue to local governments and a small percentage to the state’s Administrative Office of the Courts. The Act establishes an administrative framework for citing such violations, ensuring that citations can be issued without the presence of a law enforcement officer at the time of the infraction.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SB112 appears to be mixed. Proponents argue that the use of automated monitoring systems will enhance public safety by discouraging dangerous driving behaviors at intersections. They believe that consistent enforcement can reduce traffic accidents resulting from red light violations. On the other hand, critics have expressed concerns over civil penalties being issued through automated systems, arguing that it may lead to unfairness in law enforcement and may primarily serve as a revenue-generating tool for local governments rather than genuinely enhancing public safety.

Contention

Notable points of contention regarding SB112 center on the implications of increased surveillance in public spaces and concerns over administrative burdens related to issuing citations. Opponents question the fairness of penalizing vehicle owners who may not have been the actual driver at the time of the infraction. There are worries that such automated systems could lead to erroneous citations or disputes over liability, particularly in cases involving stolen vehicles or traffic signal malfunctions. Additionally, there are wider debates regarding the effectiveness and ethics of using technology for law enforcement purposes, raising questions about privacy rights.