The bill establishes "crash prevention zones" in Washington State, allowing local governments and the Department of Transportation to designate specific highway areas with higher-than-expected serious collision rates. These zones can be created until January 1, 2029, following a public hearing process. Once established, jurisdictions must conduct engineering and traffic investigations to identify necessary safety improvements, including potential speed limit adjustments, and are required to increase law enforcement presence and utilize speed reduction technologies within these zones. The bill also amends existing laws to impose doubled penalties for infractions involving personal electronic devices committed within crash prevention zones and expands the use of automated traffic safety cameras in these areas.

Additionally, the bill outlines regulations for automated traffic safety cameras, requiring clear signage to inform drivers of their presence and ensuring that only images of vehicles and license plates are captured during infractions. It specifies the notification process for vehicle owners regarding infractions and includes provisions for the allocation of revenue generated from these camera programs, mandating that funds be used for traffic safety activities, particularly in low-income areas and high-injury crash zones. The legislation also introduces measures to reduce penalties for low-income individuals receiving infractions, aiming to enhance traffic safety while ensuring fair treatment of vehicle owners and responsible revenue use.

Statutes affected:
Original bill: 36.89.030
Substitute bill: 36.89.030
Second substitute: 46.61.672, 46.63.250, 46.63.210, 46.63.220, 36.89.030
Engrossed second substitute: 46.61.672, 46.63.250, 46.63.210, 46.63.220, 36.89.030
Bill as passed Legislature: 46.61.672, 46.63.250, 46.63.210, 46.63.220, 36.89.030
Session law: 46.61.672, 46.63.250, 46.63.210, 46.63.220, 36.89.030