SB534 Summary

• Authorizes City of Irondale to adopt automated photographic traffic camera enforcement systems for red light violations and speeding violations as civil (not criminal) infractions with fines up to $100 for red lights and $50-$150 for speeding depending on speed exceeded.

• Vehicle owners are presumptively liable for violations recorded by cameras; violators receive notice by mail and may contest liability within 15 days by requesting an administrative adjudication hearing in municipal court with preponderance of evidence standard.

• City must post warning signs at roadway entry points and conduct 30-day public awareness campaign before operating cameras; recorded images with certified authentication are admissible as evidence without foundation unless court finds untrustworthiness.

• Establishes affirmative defenses including police officer direction, emergency vehicles, stolen vehicles/plates, vehicle rentals/leases, and certain traffic signal equipment failures; allows appeals to Jefferson County Circuit Court for trial de novo.

• Civil violations cannot be used for criminal enhancement, insurance rate increases, or driving record reporting; creates private cause of action allowing persons paying fines to sue actual vehicle operators for reimbursement plus attorney fees if demand not satisfied within 60 days.