Brief Description: Authorizing the use of automated traffic safety cameras in state highway work zones.

Sponsors: Representatives Lovick, Hankins, Morrell and Kagi; by request of Department of Transportation.

Hearing Date: 2/1/06

Staff: David Munnecke (786-7315).

Background:

Local governments may use automated traffic safety cameras subject to the following conditions: (1) an ordinance must first be enacted by the local legislative authority allowing their use to detect only stoplight, railroad crossing, or school speed zone violations and setting forth public notice and signage provisions; (2) use of the automated traffic safety cameras is restricted to two-arterial intersections, railroad crossings, and school speed zones only; (3) pictures may only be taken of vehicles and vehicle license plates and only while an infraction is occurring, and must not reveal driver or passenger faces; (4) all locations where an automated traffic safety camera is used must be clearly marked by signs indicating the presence of a camera zone; (5) infraction notices must be mailed to the registered owner of the vehicle within 14 days of the infraction, and may be responded to by mail; and (6) infractions detected through the use of an automated traffic safety camera are not part of the registered owner's driving record

Infractions detected through the use of automated traffic safety cameras must be processed in the same manner as parking infractions.

Summary of Bill:

The use of automated traffic safety cameras in highway work zones is authorized. The fine issued for work zone infractions detected with automated traffic safety cameras is the same as the fine for a work zone speeding infraction, and the infractions are issued by the Washington State Patrol.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.