This bill proposes the addition of a new section, 17C-6-8a, to the Code of West Virginia, which establishes specific regulations regarding the use of photographic, video, or digital speed enforcement equipment in work zones managed by the Division of Highways. The bill restricts the use of such equipment to instances where a law enforcement officer is present and has personally observed the violation. It mandates the placement of signage indicating that speed limits are enforced with photographic equipment and outlines the requirements for the ownership and operation of the enforcement equipment, which must be owned or leased by the state or its subdivisions.

Furthermore, the bill stipulates that any evidence collected through this equipment must meet certain evidentiary standards, including clear identification of the vehicle, its registration plate, and the measured speed at the time of the violation. Citations can be issued by mail to the vehicle's registered owner, accompanied by photographic or video evidence and a sworn statement from the law enforcement officer confirming the accuracy of the recorded information. The bill explicitly states that it does not authorize the use of automated traffic enforcement systems outside of designated work zones, thereby clarifying the intended scope of speed enforcement in these areas.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 17C-6-8a