Virginia House Bill HB728

Virginia 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/11/22
• Refer: 1/11/22

Caption

Traffic control device violation monitoring systems; localities in Planning Dist. 23 to establish.

Impact

If enacted, HB728 will amend existing Virginia laws to facilitate the use of automated traffic monitoring systems. This change is expected to provide local governments with the tools necessary to manage traffic violations more effectively, potentially leading to increased compliance with traffic laws and improved public safety. The bill specifies that incentives or penalties associated with violations will be regulated and that the proof of violation will be based on captured images from the monitoring systems.

Summary

House Bill 728 authorizes local governments within Planning District 23 to establish traffic control device violation monitoring systems. These systems aim to enhance traffic safety by imposing monetary penalties on vehicle operators who fail to comply with traffic control devices. The bill allows each locality to operate such a monitoring system at specified intersections, particularly those affected by the Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel Expansion Project, with a focus on reducing traffic violations and accidents.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding HB728 involve concerns about privacy implications and the potential for localities to exploit traffic penalties as a revenue source. Opponents argue that the automated monitoring systems could lead to an overreach of government surveillance, prompting discussions about how collected data is stored, used, and shared. There are also debates regarding the fairness of punishing vehicle owners for violations committed by other individuals, especially when the evidence is automated and not necessarily overseen by law enforcement officers.