HB 1203 - Traffic Control Summary

• Amends the Mark Wandall Traffic Safety Program to prohibit citations for right-hand or left-hand turns made carefully and prudently at red lights, but allows discretionary issuance by reviewing officers under specified circumstances.

• Requires mailing of traffic citations constitutes notification; presence at proceedings waives challenges to notification; establishes $158 penalty with specific distribution to state funds, emergency medical services, brain and spinal cord research, and municipalities/counties.

• Mandates each jurisdiction establish minimum yellow light-change intervals complying with Institute of Transportation Engineers standards; requires annual testing and inclusion of interval length in violation notices; detectors not in compliance must be disabled by January 1, 2014.

• Establishes photographic or electronic evidence as self-authenticating; places burden of proof on defendants challenging detector reliability or yellow light compliance by clear and convincing evidence standard.

• Requires traffic infraction enforcement officers to complete specialized training course; allows vehicle owners to claim exemptions through affidavit if vehicle was in another's care/custody/control; allows persons charged with license-suspending infractions to request hearing within 180 days of violation.