HOUSE BILL REPORT

HB 2270

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 Summary of Substitute Bill

Requires local legislative authorities who approve the use of automated traffic safety cameras to adopt specific and quantifiable standards for the location of signage indicating a zone where the cameras are used.
Adds requirements for signs marking a location where an automated traffic safety camera is in use; the signs must be at least 100 feet from the camera and be easily readable to a driver approaching the camera.

Majority Report: The substitute bill be substituted therefor and the substitute bill do pass. Signed by 28 members: Representatives Clibborn, Chair; Billig, Vice Chair; Liias, Vice Chair; Armstrong, Ranking Minority Member; Hargrove, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Angel, Asay, Eddy, Finn, Fitzgibbon, Hansen, Jinkins, Johnson, Klippert, Kristiansen, Ladenburg, McCune, Moeller, Morris, Moscoso, Overstreet, Reykdal, Rivers, Rodne, Shea, Takko, Upthegrove and Zeiger.

Background:

Local governments are authorized to use automated traffic safety cameras subject to certain conditions. Prior to use, the local legislative authority must adopt an ordinance allowing their use to detect only stoplight, railroad crossing, or school speed zone violations, and setting forth public notice and signage provisions. All locations where an automated traffic safety camera is used must be clearly marked by placing signs in locations that clearly indicate to a driver that he or she is entering a zone where traffic laws are enforced by an automated traffic safety camera.

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Summary of Substitute Bill:

In addition to clearly indicating to a driver that he or she is entering a zone where the automated traffic safety cameras are used, the signs must be at least 100 feet from the camera and be easily readable to a driver approaching the camera. When adopting an ordinance to approve use of automated traffic safety cameras, a local legislative authority must adopt a definition of "clearly marked" to be applied to all locations within the local legislative authority's jurisdiction. At a minimum, the definition of "clearly marked" must include specific, quantifiable standards for the location of signage.

Substitute Bill Compared to Original Bill:

The substitute bill adds requirements for signs marking a location where an automated traffic safety camera is in use. In addition to clearly indicating to a driver that he or she is entering a zone where the cameras are used, the signs must be at least 100 feet from the camera and be easily readable to a driver approaching the camera.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony:

(In support) This bill was brought by a constituent. The current law requires automated traffic safety cameras to be clearly marked, but there is no definition for clearly marked. The location of these signs varies quite a bit in distance and visibility. Some of these signs are blocked by trees. If a local jurisdiction is going to adopt an automated traffic safety camera ordinance, there should be some clarification about where the sign must be located.

This would involve a good public process and it would be put into law so there is consistency within a jurisdiction. There is a lack of trust on the part of citizens regarding signage. Some people believe that there is a lack of consistency because local governments are trying to get more revenue through more tickets. The consistency will help citizens know that there is an upcoming intersection and let them know that the camera is being used for the right safety reasons.

(Opposed) None.