Substitute House Bill No. 5917, known as Public Act No. 23-116, is a comprehensive bill that implements the recommendations of the Vision Zero Council with the aim of improving traffic safety. The bill mandates studies and policy changes, such as allowing bicyclists to treat stop signs as yield signs, considering the prohibition of right turns at red signals, and adopting an intersection control evaluation policy. It also introduces a "Vision Zero" program for educational boards, amends the process for pleading not guilty to traffic infractions, and requires a video presentation on safe driving for driver's license renewals. Changes to the issuance of driver's licenses for new residents include the deletion of references to section 14-111c and amendments to section 14-111k. The bill also calls for a public awareness campaign on the dangers of driving under the influence and instructs the Department of Transportation to consider infrastructure that protects vulnerable highway users.

The bill specifically addresses the use of automated traffic enforcement safety devices in municipalities, defining key terms and allowing their use in school zones, pedestrian safety zones, and other areas upon municipal ordinance adoption and Department of Transportation plan approval. It outlines the process for issuing citations, the protection of personally identifiable information, and the requirement for municipalities to submit reports on the effectiveness of these devices. The bill also amends language for inclusivity and updates citation notification procedures. It establishes a program to promote seat belt use, provides guidance for municipalities on traffic safety plans, and requires the DOT to issue written guidance on plan approval criteria. Municipalities must submit their plans for approval, and the DOT must report annually to the General Assembly on the status of these plans. Changes to Section 14-212b reflect the designation of school zones by the Office of the State Traffic Administration and local traffic authorities. The bill's provisions have various effective dates, with some starting as early as July 1, 2023.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill: 14-289g, 14-315, 14-41, 14-111k
TRA Joint Favorable Substitute: 14-289g, 14-315, 14-41, 14-111k
File No. 304: 14-289g, 14-315, 14-41, 14-111k
APP Joint Favorable: 14-289g, 14-315, 14-41, 14-111k
File No. 821: 14-41, 14-111k
Public Act No. 23-116: 14-41, 14-111k