This bill authorizes municipalities in Baldwin County to implement automated photographic speeding enforcement systems to detect and record speeding violations in designated zones, such as school and construction areas. It establishes a process for issuing civil violation notices by mail, which must include specific details about the violation and associated penalties, with a maximum civil fine of $195. A portion of these fines will be allocated to funding school safety initiatives. Municipalities are required to conduct public awareness campaigns and post signage to inform motorists about the enforcement systems. The bill also grants jurisdiction to municipal courts to adjudicate these civil violations, detailing procedures for contesting fines and the admissibility of evidence, including affidavits from trained technicians regarding the reliability of photographic evidence.

Additionally, the bill introduces new procedures for individuals contesting violations, requiring them to file an affidavit and request a hearing within specified timeframes. Following the hearing, a municipal court judge will determine liability and assess fines, which can be recorded as judicial liens. The bill allows for appeals to the Circuit Court of Baldwin County, maintaining the civil nature of the proceedings and applying a preponderance of the evidence standard. It also mandates municipalities to keep statistical data on violations and report this data annually to the Department of Transportation. Importantly, it clarifies that no civil penalties can be imposed if a vehicle operator is simultaneously arrested for a criminal violation and allows individuals who pay civil fines to seek reimbursement from the actual operator of the vehicle after making a written demand for payment. The act is set to take effect on June 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 32-5A-182