Signed by Governor Tom Wolf

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to concur with senate amendments and pass a bill that authorizes new speed camera fines in work zones.

Highlights:

• Authorizes speed cameras in specified work areas (Sec. 1).

• Requires at least two appropriate warning signs to be displayed before the work zone stating the camera is in use (Sec. 3).

• Requires a sign to be placed at the end of the work zone (Sec. 3).

• Specifies that if a subject is going 11 miles over the speed limit it is a violation (Sec. 3).

• Requires notice of violation to include written verification that the speed enforcement system was operating correctly at the time of offense (Sec. 3).

• Requires automated speed enforcement operator to complete training  (Sec. 3).

• Requires automated speed enforcement operator to complete a daily log for the system which includes the following (Sec. 3):

• Date, time and location of device set up;

• Evidence the device passed self tests specified by manufacturer; and

• A record kept on file.

• Requires certain aspects to be included in the notice of violation such as (Sec. 3):

• Copy of recorded image with visible vehicle license plate;

• Registration number and state of issuance of vehicle registration;

• Verification that system was working properly;

• Date, time and place of potential violation; and

• Instructions for return of notice.

• Specifies notice of violation shall be mailed within 30 days of occurence (Sec. 3)

• Specifies notice of violation shall be invalid unless provided within 90 days of the offense (Sec. 3).

• Requires notice of violation to be sent by first class mail (Sec. 3).

• Specifies penalties for number of offense committed (Sec. 3):

• First offense equates to a written warning;

• Second offense is a fine of $75;

• Third offense is a fine of $150; and

• Subsequent offenses are a fine of $3571.

• Specifies that no fine or warning can be imposed if camera is inactive (Sec. 3).

• Specifies that speed enforcement system only records violations relating to speeding (Sec. 3).

• Specifies information gathered by system is not deemed as public record (Sec. 3).

• Specifies recorded images obtained through system will be destroyed after one year of notice or two years if there is a court order (Sec. 3).

• Specifies Pennsylvania State Police shall use fines to pay for the administration of pilot program and the system administrator invoice costs (Sec. 3).

• Specifies where remaining fines shall be allocated by the department or Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission for the first three years (Sec 3).

• Requires a report by the Pennsylvania Turnpike commission and State Police be submitted April 1 annually to the chairperson and minor chairperson of the Transportation committee that includes the following (Sec. 3):

• Number of vehicular accidents;

• Number of injuries and deaths related;

• Speed data;

• Number of notices of violations issued;

• Amount of fines imposed and collected;

• Number of hours recorded; and

• Use of fines.

• Requires payment by mail be made by money order, credit card or check made payable to the Commonwealth (Sec. 3).

• Specifies if payment is not made in 90 days the department or Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission may turn matter over to applicable credit collection agencies (Sec. 3).

• Authorizes an owner to request a hearing within 30 days of mailing notice (Sec. 3).

Full Bill Text