Texas House Bill HB1131

Texas 2015 - 84th Regular

Caption

Relating to prohibiting the use of photographic traffic signal enforcement systems.

Impact

The bill could significantly alter the landscape of traffic enforcement across the state, particularly in cities that rely on red light cameras to deter traffic violations. Supporters of HB1131 argue that these systems often lead to unjust ticketing and financial penalties for innocent drivers, while detractors may contend that the removal of such systems undermines public safety efforts. Local authorities currently employing these systems would need to reassess their traffic enforcement strategies if the bill becomes law.

Summary

House Bill 1131 proposes to prohibit the use of photographic traffic signal enforcement systems in Texas. Specifically, the bill seeks to amend the Transportation Code to make it illegal for any state, county, municipality, or local authority to issue civil or criminal charges based on violations detected by photographic systems, such as red light cameras. The primary goal of the legislation is to abolish the enforcement mechanisms that rely on photographic evidence, which has sparked considerable debate regarding their fairness and efficacy in promoting road safety.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding HB1131 include the effectiveness of photographic enforcement systems in reducing accidents and enhancing compliance with traffic laws versus the potential for abuse in issuing fines. Critics of red light cameras argue that they primarily serve as revenue generators rather than genuine measures to improve road safety. In contrast, proponents of the current systems contend that the cameras play an essential role in preventing dangerous driving behaviors and reducing accidents at intersections.