Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Transportation Committee |
HB 1087
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent. |
Brief Description: Concerning automated traffic safety cameras in school speed zones.
Sponsors: Representatives Takko and Gregerson.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 1/19/15
Staff: Andrew Russell (786-7143).
Background:
State law limits the maximum speed when passing a school zone at 20 miles per hour. This maximum speed limit applies in a zone that extends 300 feet in either direction from a school crosswalk when the area is marked with standard school speed limit signs. In addition, a city or town may establish a zone that extends 300 feet from the border of any school. Traffic infractions for a violation of the maximum speed limit in such a school speed zone are doubled, with 50 percent of the associated monetary penalties deposited into the School Zone Safety Account.
School zone speed limits may be enforced through the use of an automated traffic safety camera. An "automated traffic safety camera" is defined in statute as a device that uses a sensor in conjunction with a camera to record a driver's failure to follow certain traffic laws. Generally, before an automated traffic safety camera may be installed, the local jurisdiction must adopt an ordinance allowing for the use of such a camera. In addition, the location where a camera will be installed must be marked at least 30 days prior to the camera's activation, and the camera may only take a picture of the vehicle and only while the violation is occurring. Finally, the pictures produced from an automated traffic safety camera are not open to the public and may not be used in a court proceeding except a proceeding relating to a traffic infraction recorded by the camera.
Summary of Bill:
A school speed zone that is controlled by an automated traffic safety camera must be marked with a sign that reads "CAMERA ACTIVE WHEN FLASHING." Additionally, this sign must be accompanied by a yellow beacon that must flash only when the automated traffic safety camera is being used. This yellow beacon may not flash at any other time.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.