Senate Bill 29 would make significant changes to the state’s various red-light camera system. Some would make installing them more difficult, challenging their citations easier, and reduce potential revenues generated.

If passed, SB 29 would require that safety councils determine red-light camera locations, not by how much revenue-generating potential an intersection has. It would also require that signs be posted 200 feet before the intersection.

If a citation were given, the information would have to be provided explaining how to challenge the ticket.

The state department of finance says that SB 29 could result in a $140 million loss of revenues.

From the San Jose Mercury News:

A Changes may be coming on the use of red-light cameras. Senate Bill 29, which would establish standards for the installation and operation of cameras and make it easier to challenge tickets, passed Monday by a 36-0 vote in the Senate. The bill, written by Sen. Joe Simitian, D-Palo Alto, would:

  • Require that camera locations be chosen based on safety considerations, not on potential to generate revenue.
  • A traffic violation notice intended to identify the driver in a suspected violation — what is described as a “snitch ticket” when the owner of the car identifies someone else who was driving — must make clear that owners of vehicle are not required to incriminate themselves or anyone else who might have been driving the vehicle.

Read the full article here.