SB 342 Summary

• Establishes comprehensive regulations for local authorities (municipal corporations, counties, townships) to use traffic law photo-monitoring devices to detect red light violations and speeding violations.

• Requires local authorities to conduct safety studies, public awareness campaigns, and provide at least 30 days warning before issuing citations; mandates signs informing motorists of photo-monitoring device use at system locations.

• Creates a civil violation system with administrative hearings before independent hearing officers, allowing registered owners to disclaim liability by identifying alternate drivers or claiming vehicle theft within 30 days of receiving a ticket.

• Prohibits traffic law photo-monitoring violations from being classified as moving violations, assessing driver's license points, or being reported to the Bureau of Motor Vehicles.

• Requires the Department of Public Safety to report annually to the General Assembly on the number of texting while driving citations issued; maintains prohibition on law enforcement officers stopping vehicles solely to enforce texting while driving laws.