SB560 Alabama 2010 Session

Updated Feb 27, 2026

Notable

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Linda Coleman-MadisonSenator
Democrat
Session: Regular Session 2010
Title: Center Point, 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, Center Point Red Light Safety Act
Summary: SB560 would let Center Point use automated red-light cameras to issue civil fines for red-light violations, with the vehicle owner presumed liable and a new, non-criminal enforcement process including hearings and appeals.
What This Bill Does
It authorizes automated photographic enforcement in Center Point and creates civil violations for red-light running. Owners are presumptively liable for civil fines, with a process to contest liability and appeal to the Jefferson County Circuit Court for trial de novo; penalties are civil and not criminal, and do not appear on driving records unless required by the rules. The act also establishes procedures for notices, signage, data reporting, costs, and allows a cross-action against the actual operator who was driving the vehicle when the violation occurred.

Who It Affects
Vehicle owners in Center Point (including out-of-state registrants) who are recorded as having operated a vehicle through a red light; they are presumed liable for civil fines, receive notices by mail, and may contest liability or appeal, with penalties not affecting criminal records.
The City of Center Point and its courts, along with Jefferson County Circuit Court, the Alabama Criminal Justice Information Center, and the Alabama Department of Transportation; they implement the program, process notices and fines, handle hearings and appeals, and collect data and costs.

Key Provisions
Authorizes Center Point to use automated photographic traffic signal enforcement to detect violations and issue civil notices within the city.
Civil penalty set at up to $100, plus municipal court costs; an additional $10 is collected by the Alabama Criminal Justice Information Center for record keeping; late fees up to $25 may apply.
Notices by certified mail within 30 days of the recorded violation, including description, date/time/location, a copy of images, penalty amount, payment deadline, and rights to contest; failure to pay or contest is an admission of liability.
Public posting and warning signs: at least 10 roadway entry points must display signs about automated red-light cameras, and warnings must be placed near intersections where cameras are used.
Procedures before operation include public announcements at least 30 days prior, a public awareness campaign, and potential use of decoy devices; changes in camera locations may occur with notice.
Adjudicative hearings: the city bears the burden to prove the violation by a preponderance of the evidence; trained technicians may provide affidavits; notices, images, and ownership records are admissible with proper foundation.
Appeals: civil liability findings can be appealed to the Jefferson County Circuit Court for trial de novo; filing a notice of appeal stays enforcement of the civil penalty; the circuit court handles the appeal with civil standards of evidence.
Cross-action: a person who pays the civil fine can sue the driver who operated the vehicle at the time for reimbursement plus damages and attorney fees, with a written demand and a 60-day remittance period; the action must be filed within two years after payment.
Records and reporting: the city must maintain data on effectiveness and report annually to the Alabama Department of Transportation and CJIC; the act requires conformity to traffic engineering standards for signal timing.
Not a criminal penalty: civil penalties do not create criminal convictions, do not appear on driving records, and are not used to increase insurance premiums unless an accident occurred; violations are not treated as moving violations.

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