Bill > HB638

This bill amends Georgia law to prohibit stopping or parking non-transit vehicles in designated transit vehicle lanes within the City of Atlanta, establishing a comprehensive enforcement mechanism using automated monitoring devices. The legislation defines key terms such as transit vehicle lanes, transit vehicles, and automated monitoring devices, and sets up a graduated penalty system for violations. First-time offenders can have their $50 fine waived by completing an online transit lane safety course, while subsequent offenses incur increasing monetary penalties ($100 for the second offense, $150 for the third). Enforcement can occur through either direct law enforcement citation or through automated devices that capture photographic evidence of violations. The bill mandates specific notification procedures, including mailing citations to vehicle owners within 60 days, providing detailed information about the alleged violation, and offering methods to contest the citation. Importantly, these civil monetary penalties do not count as moving traffic violations, will not impact insurance or driving records, and cannot result in criminal prosecution or imprisonment. The law includes provisions for signage warning drivers about transit lane restrictions, requires cooperation between city authorities and state transportation departments, and is set to automatically expire on January 1, 2030, providing a sunset provision for this experimental traffic management approach.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/70829