HB566 Alabama 2010 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Chris EnglandRepresentative

Democrat

Co-Sponsor

Alan Harper

Session

Regular Session 2010

Title

Tuscaloosa, motor vehicles, automated traffic infraction device, use for red light enforcement authorized, procedures, posting of informational signs, civil fines, record keeping by Criminal Justice Information Center, appeals, tampering with photographic traffic signal enforcement system, prohibited, Tuscaloosa Red Light Safety Act

Summary

The Tuscaloosa Red Light Safety Act lets the City of Tuscaloosa use automated cameras to enforce red lights as civil violations, with a defined process for notices, hearings, and appeals.

What This Bill Does

It authorizes automated red-light enforcement within Tuscaloosa as civil violations and makes the vehicle owner presumptively liable for the civil fine, while allowing the owner to contest liability. It sets penalties up to $100 plus municipal court costs (with a $10 CJIC fee for record keeping), provides notice by mail, and establishes a system of adjudication and appeals up to trial de novo in the circuit court. It also requires signage, public notice, and data reporting, and prohibits tampering with the enforcement system, while permitting decoy devices and other safety measures.

Who It Affects

• Vehicle owners (including renters under rental agreements) whose vehicles are recorded running a red light, who would be presumptively liable for the civil fine and must respond to notices and hearings.
• The City of Tuscaloosa and its enforcement staff (including trained technicians), along with Tuscaloosa Municipal Court and the Tuscaloosa County Circuit Court, which implement, administer, and adjudicate the automated red-light enforcement and related fines.

Key Provisions

• Authorizes automated photographic red-light enforcement in the City of Tuscaloosa and creates a civil-violation framework with presumptive owner liability and a process to contest liability.
• Civil penalties are capped at $100, include municipal court costs, add a $10 fee to the Alabama CJIC for record-keeping, and require mailed notices with payment and contest deadlines.
• Establishes adjudication and appeals: notices, administrative adjudication hearings in Tuscaloosa Municipal Court, and trial de novo in the circuit court, with evidence standards and possible affidavits from trained technicians.
• Public notice and safety requirements: posting of signs at entry points, a minimum 30-day public awareness campaign before operation, potential use of decoy devices, and rules prohibiting tampering with the system; also requires data reporting to state agencies.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 25, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Tuscaloosa County