HB511 Alabama 2011 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Arthur Payne

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2011

Title

Center Point, motor vehicles, photographic red light traffic signal enforcement system, camera automated civil enforcement of violations of red lights, stop signs, and speeding, authorized, enforcement by sheriff, procedures, notices of violations, civil fines, traffic safety fund account established, appeals, hearings

Summary

Center Point can use photo enforcement to issue civil penalties for red lights, stop signs, and speeding, with hearings, a Traffic Safety Fund, and local appeals.

What This Bill Does

The city (via the Jefferson County Sheriff or a qualified contractor) would operate photographic enforcement at intersections and speeding zones. Vehicle owners receive notices and can either pay the civil penalties or contest liability in an administrative adjudication hearing; penalties are civil and not criminal. The program includes late fees, an administrative adjudication fee if the owner fails to appear, and collection options, with funds deposited into a Traffic Safety Fund to cover system costs and safety programs; appeals go to the Jefferson County District Court in a small-claims–like process. Warning notices may be issued before the program fully starts, and signage must indicate cameras are present.

Who It Affects

• Vehicle owners in Center Point who violate red lights, stop signs, or speeding and would owe civil penalties and potential late fees
• Center Point city government, the Jefferson County Sheriff's Department (or its authorized contractor), and vendor operators who administer notices, hearings, enforcement, and fund management

Key Provisions

• Authorizes camera automated civil enforcement for red lights, stop signs, and speeding, to be administered and enforced by the Jefferson County Sheriff or a qualified contractor
• Defines system requirements for photographic red light/stop sign enforcement and photographic speed enforcement, including image types and synchronization, and sets contractor qualifications
• Imposes civil penalties: $100 for red light/stop sign violations; speeding penalties ranging from $50 to $150 depending on mph over the limit; late penalties of $25; and a $30 administrative adjudication fee if the violator misses the hearing
• Enforcement and collection methods may include vehicle immobilization, reporting to collection agencies/credit bureaus, or small-claims court actions
• Notice and hearing process: notices must be mailed within set time frames (14 days for red light/stop sign; 30 days for speeding); violators may pay in lieu of hearing or request an administrative adjudication hearing conducted by a mayor-appointed hearing officer; decisions can be appealed in District Court as a small-claims action
• Civil penalties are not criminal convictions; certain affirmative defenses and exemptions apply (e.g., operator compliance with orders, emergency vehicle exemptions, stolen license plates with proof, etc.)
• Traffic Safety Fund Account collects penalties and expenditures cover system costs, vendor payments, and public safety or safety-related programs
• Program start includes a phased approach with warning notices and public signage before full citation issuance; the act becomes effective three months after governor approval
• Appeals and judicial review follow a small-claims-like process in the Jefferson County District Court

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Jefferson County