SB546 Summary

• Authorizes City of Vestavia Hills to use automated photographic traffic cameras to enforce red light and speeding violations as civil (not criminal) violations with reduced evidentiary requirements.

• Establishes civil fines up to $100 for red light violations and tiered penalties ($50-$150) for speeding violations, with additional $10 fees per violation directed to Alabama Criminal Justice Information Center.

• Requires city to mail violation notices within 30 days to vehicle owners with photographic evidence, and vehicle owners can contest violations in municipal court within 15 days or pay the fine.

• Provides multiple affirmative defenses including vehicle theft, stolen license plates, emergency vehicles, police officer directions, and equipment malfunctions; appeals of municipal court decisions go to Jefferson County Circuit Court for trial de novo.

• Specifies that civil violations do not appear on criminal/driving records, cannot be used for insurance rates or to enhance criminal penalties, and vehicle owners can pursue civil action against actual drivers for reimbursement of fines paid.