Bill > HB1027

This bill expands the authority of local jurisdictions in Maryland to use bus lane monitoring systems to enforce the prohibition against driving in designated bus lanes. The key provisions include: 1. Defining the term "agency" to mean a local law enforcement agency or a municipal agency designated to use bus lane monitoring systems. 2. Allowing any local jurisdiction, not just Baltimore City, to use bus lane monitoring systems that meet certain requirements, such as having conspicuous road signs and producing video evidence to differentiate between violations and lawful turns. 3. Establishing procedures for the training and certification of bus lane monitoring system operators, as well as annual calibration of the systems. 4. Imposing civil penalties of up to $75 on vehicle owners caught violating bus lane restrictions, unless the driver was cited by a police officer at the time. 5. Providing a process for contesting liability, including the ability to present evidence that the vehicle or plates were stolen or that the named person was not the driver at the time. 6. Allowing the Motor Vehicle Administration to refuse registration or re-registration if the civil penalty is not paid. 7. Specifying that bus lane violations are not moving violations and do not affect insurance rates. The bill aims to expand the use of bus lane monitoring systems statewide to improve the efficiency and enforcement of bus lanes across Maryland.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB1027?ys=2023RS