House Bill 1275 amends various sections of Florida Statutes to improve traffic infraction enforcement, particularly at railroad-highway grade crossings and in work zones. The bill introduces the term "railroad traffic infraction detector," allowing counties and municipalities to install these systems with the railroad owner's consent, following the enactment of an ordinance and a public hearing. It also establishes requirements for public notification and signage when these detectors are in place. Additionally, the Department of Transportation is authorized to designate employees as traffic infraction enforcement officers, outlining procedures for issuing citations and including provisions for public awareness campaigns, admissibility of photographic evidence, and penalties for false affidavits.

The bill further addresses speeding violations in work zones, mandating a $100 fine for exceeding the speed limit, with specified distributions of the fine to the State Transportation Trust Fund and charities for families of deceased workers. It allows for the dismissal of citations if the individual can prove the citation was issued in error. New sections regarding speed detection systems in work zones are created, defining "work zone area" and establishing enforcement procedures. The bill also includes provisions for handling traffic violations related to deceased vehicle owners, requiring affidavits for dismissals, and outlines the admissibility of evidence from speed detection systems in court. Overall, HB 1275 aims to enhance safety and enforcement mechanisms in work zones and at railroad crossings through the use of technology and clearer guidelines.

Statutes affected:
H 1275 Filed: 316.640, 351.03, 316.306, 655.960