HB55 Summary: Brighton Red Light Safety Act

• Authorizes the City of Brighton to use automated photographic traffic signal enforcement systems to detect and issue civil violations for red light infractions; civil fines not to exceed $100 plus court costs and a $10 fee for the Criminal Justice Information Center.

• Vehicle owners are presumptively liable for civil violations but may contest liability through an administrative adjudication hearing in Brighton Municipal Court within 15 days of receiving notice of violation by mail.

• City must post warning signs at minimum 10 roadway entry points notifying motorists of camera enforcement and post signs within 60 yards of each monitored intersection; must conduct public awareness campaign at least 30 days before operating the system.

• Establishes affirmative defenses including improper traffic signal visibility, police officer direction, emergency vehicle operations, stolen vehicles or plates, vehicle operation without owner consent, and hazardous road conditions.

• Provides appeal rights to Jefferson County Circuit Court for trial de novo; violations cannot be prosecuted civilly if operator was arrested or cited criminally for the same incident; civil judgments can be filed as judicial liens and civil violations cannot appear on criminal or driving records.