SB 1146 Summary

• Authorizes counties, cities, and towns to operate automated traffic enforcement safety systems (photo enforcement) to detect speeding (11+ mph over limit) and red light violations, with violations treated as civil offenses rather than moving violations.

• Requires governing bodies to enact an ordinance establishing the program, with violation notices mailed to vehicle owners within 30-60 days; owners may contest violations through administrative hearings before a hearing officer appointed by the governing body.

• Imposes maximum civil penalties of $350 per violation (doubled in school and work zones when occupants present) and requires advance warning signs 200-300 feet before enforcement locations.

• Allows vehicle owners to transfer violation liability to another person who had care, custody, or control of the vehicle with a sworn affidavit; if the alleged operator decies responsibility, liability reverts to the owner.

• Prohibits violations from affecting driver license status or insurance, restricts contractor compensation to equipment/service value only (not fines or revenue), and requires destruction of recorded images within 30-90 days; mandates annual reporting on violations detected.