SB 454 Summary

• Municipalities may adopt ordinances to use photo noise violation monitoring devices that automatically photograph vehicles exceeding maximum decibel levels, with devices operated by trained and certified operators.

• Violations result in a written warning for first offense, $100 fine for second offense, and $250 fine for third or subsequent offenses, with citations requiring review and approval by law enforcement or municipal employees before mailing.

• Citations must be mailed within 30 days of owner identification and no later than 60 days after the violation date, and vehicle owners have the right to a hearing and available defenses including emergency vehicle operation, stolen vehicle status, uncalibrated devices, and proof of muffler repair or vehicle inspection.

• Municipalities must conduct annual calibration checks on devices and randomize device locations; vendors cannot charge fees contingent on citations issued; all personally identifiable information is protected from disclosure except for fine enforcement.

• Municipalities must submit annual reports to the legislature's finance committee detailing violation numbers, warnings/citations issued, hearing requests and results, revenue collected, and device costs.