HB 5324 Summary

• Expands pedestrian right-of-way protection at crosswalks by requiring motorists to yield to pedestrians who affirmatively indicate intent to cross (by raising hand, stepping to curb, or moving any body part or assistive device into the crosswalk)

• Authorizes municipal traffic authorities to reduce speed limits up to 15 miles per hour below approved limits on local streets and parking areas after holding a public hearing and notifying the State Traffic Administration

• Increases fines for hand-held mobile device violations from $150 to $187.50 for first offense, $375 to $675 for second offense, and $625 to $625 for third offense; increases additional traffic violation fees from $20 to $25 per violation

• Creates new infraction with $90 fine for opening a vehicle door in a manner that impedes pedestrian or bicycle traffic on a highway

• Establishes the greenways commemorative account to fund state and local greenway preservation efforts through registration fees for special greenways license plates