SB401 Summary

• Authorizes the City of Bessemer to implement automated photographic traffic enforcement systems to detect and record traffic signal violations, stop sign violations, and speeding violations as civil (not criminal) violations.

• Establishes presumptive liability for vehicle owners, with fines capped at $110 for traffic signal and stop sign violations, and $60-$160 for speeding violations depending on speed exceeded (doubled in school zones).

• Creates administrative hearing process where vehicle owners can contest violations, with appeal rights to Jefferson County Circuit Court for trial de novo; $10 of each fine goes to Alabama Criminal Justice Information Center.

• Requires photographic systems to meet specific technical standards with still and motion video cameras, and mandates warning signs at enforcement locations; vehicle owners can assert affirmative defenses including stolen vehicles, emergency vehicle status, or missing warning signs.

• Prohibits criminal prosecution if operator was arrested or cited by police officer for the same violation; prohibits jail time for nonpayment; allows vehicle owners who pay fines to sue actual operators for reimbursement plus damages.