Bill > H4402

This bill authorizes cities and towns in Massachusetts to implement automated curb enforcement programs using stationary cameras or sensors to detect parking violations in specific areas like loading zones, bus stops, and bicycle lanes. Under the proposed legislation, municipalities can voluntarily choose to issue parking violation notices by mailing them to the vehicle's registered owner based on digital evidence, rather than physically placing a ticket on the windshield. The bill defines an "automated curb enforcement system" as a device that can record images of vehicles, license plates, and violation details, but explicitly prohibits using facial recognition or biometric identification. Violations would be treated as civil, non-criminal infractions that do not result in criminal charges or affect driving records. Municipalities would have the discretion to set their own fine amounts and retain the revenue, which could be used for transportation infrastructure or traffic safety programs. The bill requires clear signage in enforcement zones and mandates strict privacy protections for data collected by these systems, ensuring that images and personal information are only used for parking enforcement and are deleted after the violation process is complete. Importantly, the legislation emphasizes that no state agency can mandate or limit a municipality's implementation of such a program, giving local authorities full control over their automated curb enforcement efforts.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H4402