Bill > H4179

This bill authorizes the city of Somerville to implement an Automated Road Safety Camera System to enforce certain traffic violations, including running red lights, making illegal right turns, speeding, and blocking intersections. The system will use digital cameras to capture photographic evidence of traffic violations, with specific guidelines to protect individual privacy. Vehicle owners will receive a written notice of violation, which can be contested through an informal hearing process, and fines will be comparable to traditional traffic citations. The bill mandates that camera locations must be approved by the city council after a public hearing, and signs must be installed to notify drivers of the camera systems. Importantly, the cameras cannot be used to generate revenue, as compensation to the camera system vendor cannot be based on the number of citations issued. The bill also includes strict privacy protections, such as destroying photographic evidence within 48 hours of violation resolution and preventing frontal view photographs that might identify vehicle occupants. Before full implementation, the city must conduct a public awareness campaign and provide at least 60 days' notice to the public. If a vehicle owner receives multiple unresolved violations, the registry of motor vehicles may suspend their vehicle registration until fines are paid.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H4179