Speed Monitoring Systems - Municipal Corporations - Statements and Certificates of Violation
Impact
The bill is expected to simplify and enhance the operational capacity of municipal corporations to enforce traffic laws. By empowering designated employees to sign violation affidavits, it is anticipated that municipalities may experience an increase in the issuance of citations for speed violations. This could result in more robust enforcement of speed regulations, contributing to enhanced public safety by deterring speeding. The law aims to ensure that the administrative process is less cumbersome and more efficient for municipalities that do not maintain a police force.
Summary
House Bill 139 aims to amend existing traffic law regarding the use of speed monitoring systems by municipal corporations. The bill provides that statements alleging a violation recorded by these systems may be signed by employees of agencies designated by the municipal corporation. This change is intended to streamline the process of issuing citations for speed violations captured by electronic monitoring systems by allowing non-police employees to sign official documentation, thus expediting the issuance of citations and potentially increasing compliance with traffic laws.
Contention
While the bill presents a practical approach to managing speed violations, it is likely to face scrutiny regarding the due process rights of vehicle owners subject to fines. Critics may argue that allowing non-law enforcement personnel to affirm violations could lead to a lack of accountability and potentially increase wrongful citations. There may also be concerns about the adequacy of evidence presented through automated systems, risking disputes over the accuracy of citations and the integrity of the process used to determine liability.