Relating to traffic violations and enforcement, including the use of an electronic device in a voice-activated or hands-free mode while driving and the use of automated or remote systems for traffic law enforcement, providing penalties, making penalties applicable, and including effective date provisions

The bill provides exceptions for the use of an electronic device in a voice-activated or hands-free mode, for members of a public safety agency performing official duties, for health care professionals in the course of emergency situations, for the purpose of receiving safety-related information, for the purpose of reporting an emergency situation, for persons operating an implement of husbandry, for certain radio operators, for members of a public transit system performing official duties while in a vehicle that is not in motion, for utility maintenance employees or contractors for the purpose of providing utility services, for transportation network company drivers engaged in a prearranged ride while the vehicle is not in motion, and for persons using an electronic device for the purpose of accessing or using a fleet management system. Under current law, to be considered an implement of husbandry, a vehicle must be manufactured, designed, or reconstructed for agricultural purposes, exclusively used in the conduct of agricultural operations except for incidental uses, and operated at speeds of miles per hour or less.276 a moving violation.555). However, a peace officer is required to issue a warning memorandum in lieu of a citation for violations that occur during the period between the effective date of the bill and January 1, 2025.276 from $45 to $100.482A, if a person is convicted for a violation and the violation causes a serious injury, a court could impose an additional fine of $500 or suspend the person’s driver’s license for not more than days, or both. If a person is convicted for a violation and the violation causes a death, a court could impose an additional fine of $1,000 or suspend the person’s driver’s license for not more than 180 days, or both.482A.276 as amended by the bill.276 as amended by the bill applicable to such persons. AUTOMATED TRAFFIC ENFORCEMENT PROHIBITED. On and after July 1, 2025, the bill prohibits the state or a local authority from placing or causing to be placed on or adjacent to a highway, or maintaining or employing the use of, any automated or remote system for traffic law enforcement (ATE system). The bill also prohibits the department of transportation and the department of public safety from providing information used to impose or collect a civil penalty that results from a violation captured by an ATE system through an existing interstate compact agreement unless the agreement specifically allows or requires that information to be shared or provided for that specific purpose. The bill defines “automated or remote system for traffic law enforcement” to mean a camera or other optical device designed to work in conjunction with an official traffic control signal or speed measuring device to identify motor vehicles operating in violation of traffic laws, the use of which results in the issuance of citations sent through the mail or by electronic means. The bill requires that prior to July 1, 2025, a local authority using an ATE system must discontinue using the system and remove the system equipment. On and after July 1, 2025, all local ordinances authorizing the use of ATE systems are void. However, the bill provides that any citation issued or mailed pursuant to such an ordinance prior to July 1, 2025, is not invalidated by the bill and must be processed according to the provisions of law under which the citation was authorized.