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GA HB651

GA HB651
Motor vehicles; use of automated traffic enforcement safety devices in school zones; revise provisions

summary

Introduced
02/26/2025
In Committee
03/31/2025
Crossed Over
03/04/2025
Passed
Dead

Introduced Session

2025-2026 Regular Session

Bill Summary

AN ACT To amend Article 2 of Chapter 14 of Title 40 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to speed detection devices, so as to revise provisions relative to the use of automated traffic enforcement safety devices in school zones; to revise standards for signs warning of the use of automated traffic enforcement safety devices in school zones; to repeal exceptions to making a case based upon use of speed detection devices; to provide for investigations relative to complaints and violations; to provide for penalties for misuse or unauthorized use of automated traffic enforcement safety devices; to authorize revocation of permits relating to such devices; to include civil monetary penalties collected for violations of speed limits enforced by automated traffic enforcement safety devices for consideration of the maximum percent of a law enforcement agency's budget; to provide for hearing rights upon revocation of permits for operation of automated traffic enforcement safety devices; to provide for appeal; to provide for the ability of a local government to decrease time frames for issuing citations for the violation of posted speed limit by ten miles per hour or more in a school zone through the use of automated traffic enforcement safety devices; to revise application procedure for a permit to operate such devices; to prohibit the assessment of late fees, surcharges, and taxes relating to civil monetary penalties; to provide standards for notice sent for imposition of a civil monetary penalty; to provide for distribution of moneys collected; HB 651/SCSFA to amend Title 15 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to courts, so as to authorize district attorneys, solicitors-general, and prosecuting attorneys to enforce civil monetary penalties relative to the enforcement of laws regarding speeding in a school zone using recorded images; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.

AI Summary

This bill revises regulations for automated traffic enforcement safety devices in school zones, focusing on several key aspects of their implementation and use. The bill modifies signage requirements for speed detection devices, mandating that warning signs be at least 24 by 30 inches, clearly visible from all traffic lanes, and placed within 500 feet of speed limit reduction signs. It also requires these signs to have flashing yellow lights when the device is authorized to issue citations. The legislation changes enforcement standards by allowing local governments to adjust citation thresholds for speeding in school zones and introduces stricter penalties for misuse of these devices. Under the new provisions, agencies found intentionally violating the regulations could face fines of $2,500 for a first violation and $5,000 for subsequent violations, with potential suspension of speed detection device permits. The bill also removes late fees and additional surcharges for civil monetary penalties, caps processing fees, and specifies that collected funds can only be used for local law enforcement or public safety initiatives. Additionally, the bill expands the authority of district attorneys, solicitors-general, and prosecuting attorneys to enforce civil monetary penalties related to school zone speed violations, while ensuring that such violations do not count as moving traffic violations or impact insurance records.

Committee Categories

Transportation and Infrastructure

Sponsors (7)

Last Action

House Agreed Senate Amend or Sub As Amended (on 04/04/2025)

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