HB567 Alabama 2014 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Merika ColemanSenator

Democrat

Session

Regular Session 2014

Title

Midfield, motor vehicles, automated photographic speeding enforcement, authorized, procedures, posting of informational signs, adoption of municipal ordinances, civil fines, record keeping, municipal court jurisdiction, appeals, Midfield Speed Limit Safety Act

Summary

HB567 would let the City of Midfield use automated speed cameras to issue civil speeding penalties, with vehicle owners presumed liable and a defined process for notices, hearings, and appeals.

What This Bill Does

The bill creates a non-criminal civil violation for speeding detected by automated cameras in Midfield and authorizes the city to adopt an ordinance to run the program. It sets civil fines up to $100 plus $10 in municipal court costs, requires notices by mail to vehicle owners, and allows payment in lieu of a hearing or a contest of liability. It establishes a hearing process in the Midfield Municipal Court, with appeals to the Jefferson County Circuit Court for trial de novo, and allows a separate civil action against the actual operator if someone who paid the fine seeks reimbursement. It also requires signs, public notice, tampering protections, and data reporting, while keeping most penalties from becoming criminal records or affecting insurance except in specific circumstances.

Who It Affects

• Vehicle owners whose registered vehicle is recorded speeding in Midfield and who receive a civil notice; they may pay the civil fine or contest liability and may be subject to adjudicative hearings or appeals.
• The actual operator of the speeding vehicle, who could be sued by a person who pays the civil fine for damages or reimbursement, and who is subject to potential civil liability and verification processes.

Key Provisions

• Authorizes automated photographic speeding enforcement in Midfield as a civil violation and allows the city to adopt a corresponding municipal ordinance.
• Presumes the vehicle’s owner (as shown on registration) is liable for the civil violation, with procedures to contest liability and a civil-only penalty framework (no criminal fines or imprisonment).
• Sets civil fines up to $100 and adds $10 in municipal court costs; requires notices by certified mail with specific content, including images and payment deadlines.
• Requires public notice and signage before and around automated speed cameras, including at least 10 city entry points and posting signs near detection devices; mandates a 30-day public awareness period before operation.
• Establishes the adjudicative hearing process in the Midfield Municipal Court, burden of proof by a preponderance of the evidence, and the right to appeal to the Jefferson County Circuit Court for trial de novo; allows use of technician affidavits as evidence.
• Provides for late fees up to $25, and directs that no arrest for nonpayment occur; ensures civil violations do not appear on criminal or driving records and are not used for insurance purposes except under certain circumstances.
• Creates a civil action against the actual operator if someone who paid the civil fine seeks reimbursement, with a 60-day demand period and a two-year filing window; authorizes the circuit court to assess costs and determine liability on appeal.
• Requires annual reporting of enforcement data to the Alabama Department of Transportation and the Alabama Criminal Justice Information Center; prohibits penalties if a criminal violation occurred simultaneously with the same incident.

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