Bill > HB1220

This bill makes significant changes to the use and regulation of photo speed monitoring devices, which are cameras used to detect speeding violations. It mandates that the Supreme Court of Virginia create a standardized summons for these violations and requires all issued summonses to use this new format, with specific provisions for their content and delivery, including a minimum of 30 days for the recipient to inspect evidence and request proof of device calibration if contesting the ticket. The bill clarifies that photo speed monitoring devices can only be used in highway work zones when workers are actually present, and requires sworn certification from the operator confirming this presence, rather than just a general statement. It also introduces new requirements for signage, mandating at least two conspicuous signs, one of which must be a speed display sign, within 1,000 feet of monitored zones, with a delayed effective date for these signage provisions. The bill also addresses the use of funds from civil penalties, specifying that excess funds beyond program operating costs must be used for traffic safety initiatives, and outlines stricter data retention and public access rules for information collected by these devices, requiring most data to be purged within 21 days unless a summons is issued. Furthermore, it imposes additional responsibilities and compliance requirements on private vendors who operate these devices, including prohibiting them from charging extra fees beyond the civil penalty and postage/convenience fees for electronic payments, and requires them to provide proof of calibration upon request. The bill also establishes civil penalties for violations of these new requirements, stating that failure to comply will render a summons invalid, and includes provisions for reporting on device usage, costs, and safety initiatives, with delayed effective dates for several of its provisions.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/HB1220