HB 5246

Abstract

Amends the Illinois Vehicle Code. Provides that a governmental agency in a municipality or county may establish an automated traffic law enforcement system that produces a recorded image of a motor vehicle's response to a traffic control signal or an image of a vehicle traveling at a prohibited rate of speed and is designed to obtain a clear recorded image of the vehicle and the vehicle's license plate. Provides that the recorded image must also display the time, date, and location of the violation. Provides that, with regard to a signal violation, no citation may be issued if the technician determines that the vehicle entered the intersection as part of a funeral procession or in order to yield the right-of-way to an emergency vehicle. Provides that the owner of the vehicle used in the violation is liable for the violation if the violation was recorded by the system, with exceptions. In a provision concerning failure to pay fines or penalties for standing, parking, and compliance violations and administrative adjudication of those violations, adds violations recorded by the system. Provides that a second notice of violation is not required before a final determination of liability for a violation recorded by the system may be entered. Provides that the compensation paid for the system may not be based on the amount of revenue generated or tickets issued by the system. Deletes language providing for creation of an automated red light enforcement system in a municipality with a population of 1,000,000 or more. Provides that the Illinois Commerce Commission, in cooperation with a local law enforcement agency, may establish in any county or municipality a system for automated enforcement of railroad crossing violations. Provides for automated recording of vehicles that enter a railroad crossing against the signal or that obstruct traffic at a railroad crossing. Provides for the issuance of a Uniform Traffic Citation to the owner of the recorded vehicle. Establishes procedures for contesting the violation. Provides that violation of the provision is a petty offense for which a fine of $250, or 25 hours of community service, shall be imposed. Provides that a fine of $500 shall be imposed for a second or subsequent violation. Provides that the Secretary of State may suspend for not less than 6 months the registration of a vehicle involved in a second or subsequent violation. Provides that photographs or other recorded images from a system established under the new provision, or under the provision establishing a similar pilot program, can be made available to governmental agencies for safety analysis of the railroad crossing.