The bill establishes a pilot program for automated highway speed safety cameras in Washington State, allowing the Department of Transportation to test two to three cameras on state highways. The program aims to evaluate the effectiveness of speed camera technology, assess its impact on speeding behavior, and gather public feedback. The Department will collaborate with the Washington State Patrol and the Traffic Safety Commission to select technology, determine camera placement in high-risk areas, and ensure public notification and engagement throughout the process. Notably, the program prohibits ticketing violators based on speed data captured by the cameras during the pilot phase.
Additionally, the bill mandates that the Department of Transportation inform registered vehicle owners if their vehicle exceeds the speed limit, without imposing fines. A progress report summarizing public input, technology evaluation, and changes in speeding behavior is required by September 30, 2024. The bill also stipulates that all data collected, including photographs and personal information, is for the exclusive use of the Washington State Patrol and the Department of Transportation, and it is not subject to public disclosure or admissible in court. The pilot program is set to expire on July 1, 2025.