HB517 Summary: Jasper Automated Traffic Safety Act

• Authorizes the City of Jasper, Alabama to implement automated photographic traffic enforcement systems to detect and record traffic signal violations, stop sign violations, and speeding violations as civil violations.

• Vehicle owners are presumptively liable for violations recorded by the systems; fines for traffic signal and stop sign violations are capped at $110, while speeding fines range from $60-$160 depending on speed ($120-$320 in school zones).

• Violators receive notice by mail and can contest liability at an administrative hearing within 15 days; the city bears the burden of proof by preponderance of evidence.

• Provides right to judicial review in Walker County Circuit Court for trial de novo within 14 days of an adverse administrative hearing decision, with filing staying enforcement of the fine.

• Creates a private cause of action allowing those held liable to sue the actual vehicle operator for reimbursement of fines paid plus damages and attorney fees, provided written demand for repayment is made 60 days prior to filing suit.