SB 503 - This act authorizes cities and first classification counties to establish an automatic traffic light signal violation monitoring system. If a city or county passes an ordinance to implement such a system, then the city or county may enter into an agreement with a private entity to provide the equipment and other services related to the system.

A person will held liable for running a red light if the photos from the system show that the vehicle in question ran the light together with proof that the defendant was the owner, lessee or renter of the vehicle when the violation occurred. These two pieces of evidence shall constitute a rebuttable presumption that the owner is guilty of running a red light. Once a photograph is taken of the violation, a summons will be issued to the registered owner of the vehicle. The summons will be sent by 1st class mail to the most recent address of the owner within 21 days of the violation. The summons will instruct the owner of how to pay or contest the violation.

The owner of the vehicle may rebut this presumption in three ways:

1. File an affidavit with the court stating he was not the operator of the vehicle when the violation occurred;

2. Testify in court that he was not the operator of the car when the violation occurred;

3. Present evidence that he filed a police report before the violation occurred that his car was stolen.

A person convicted under this act will not be assessed any points against his driver's license. A conviction under the automatic traffic system shall not be used for automobile insurance coverage purposes.

Photographic records from the system shall remain confidential.

Before implementing the system, the city or county must make a public announcement 30 days before its official use. The city or county must also place signs in the area using the system to indicate its presence.

Photographs from the system may be used in personal injury, wrongful death or property damage claims.

This act is similar to SB 199 (2001).
STEPHEN WITTE