HB 5198 Summary

• Authorizes the Commissioner of Transportation to install and operate automated traffic enforcement safety devices in highway maintenance work zones, effective January 1, 2021, only when State Police are not actively performing enforcement in the zone.

• Devices may only activate when highway workers are present in the maintenance work zone and must post warning signs at least 500 feet in advance; devices record only vehicle license plates and must be removed upon completion of maintenance work.

• Violations are triggered when vehicles exceed posted speed limits by 12 miles per hour or more; State Police must review recorded images and issue citations within 10 days to registered vehicle owners, who may assert affirmative defenses including emergency necessity and vehicle theft.

• Establishes comprehensive privacy and security regulations requiring destruction of recorded images within 60 days if no citation is issued, or upon final case disposition if cited; prohibits sale or disclosure except to law enforcement, by judicial order, or to comply with law.

• Requires annual internal audits and reports to the transportation committee detailing device usage, disclosure requests, and compliance; establishes the work zone safety account to fund State Police enforcement in highway work zones with $9,000 monthly transfers.